BUTUAN CITY — Two former supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in a significant development in the government’s ongoing campaign against insurgency in Northern Mindanao.
The former CTG supporters personally turned themselves in to Police Station 6 of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), signaling their decision to abandon their ties with the Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) and return to the fold of the law.
Authorities identified the surrenderers only through their aliases.
One of them, alias “Hugh,” 65 years old and a resident of Barangay Anticala, Butuan City, was reportedly a former supply carrier for the CTG-NPA under the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Meanwhile, alias “Boboy,” 48 years old, also from Barangay Anticala, served as a former food runner for the same rebel unit operating under the SYP2IC, SRSDG Westland, NEMRC.
Police authorities said the surrender of the two individuals reflects the continuing weakening of rebel support networks in the region as more former members and supporters choose to cooperate with the government rather than continue involvement in armed insurgency activities.
The two are currently under the custody of Police Station 6 for further investigation, custodial debriefing, and documentation procedures.
Authorities are also processing their applications for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a national initiative designed to help former rebels and CTG supporters reintegrate into mainstream society through financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, housing, and other support services.
Security officials continue to encourage remaining CTG members and supporters to surrender peacefully and avail themselves of government reintegration programs, emphasizing that the government remains open to assisting those who wish to start a new life away from armed conflict.
Barangay Anticala in Butuan City has long been identified as one of the areas affected by insurgency activities due to its proximity to hinterland communities where communist rebel groups previously operated. Authorities said sustained military and police operations, coupled with community-based interventions, have contributed to the increasing number of surrenderers in recent years.