MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A former member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) under the dismantled Guerilla Front 89 (GF89) of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Bukidnon, marking another development in the government’s ongoing campaign to encourage former rebels to return to mainstream society.
The surrender took place on June 6, 2026, through an intelligence-driven operation led by law enforcement units in the province.
The former rebel, identified only by the alias “Erwin,” is a 29-year-old married farmer and resident of Sitio Saluringan, Barangay Cananga-an, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. According to authorities, he was recruited into the underground movement in 2013 and became inactive in 2022 before eventually deciding to surrender.
Investigations revealed that “Erwin” previously served as a support operative for the armed group, primarily tasked with delivering food and other logistical supplies to operating units of the NPA in the area. Authorities also disclosed that he has pending cases for arson and robbery, circumstances that reportedly influenced his decision to surrender and seek a fresh start under the government’s reintegration initiatives.
Police said the successful surrender was the result of coordinated intelligence efforts involving operatives of the Bukidnon 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), which served as the lead unit, in collaboration with personnel from the Malaybalay City Police Station. The operation was further supported by the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Mindanao Area Police Intelligence Office (MAPIO).
Following his surrender, “Erwin” was placed under the custody of the Bukidnon 1st PMFC for custodial debriefing, documentation, and assessment. Authorities are also processing the necessary requirements for his enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government initiative designed to help former rebels reintegrate into society through financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, skills training, and other support services.
Police Regional Office-10 Regional Director, Christopher N. Abrahano, lauded the operating units for their continued dedication to advancing peace and security efforts in Northern Mindanao.
“The surrender of former CTG members reflects the effectiveness of our sustained intelligence operations and community engagement efforts. We encourage those who remain involved with the communist terrorist movement to return to the fold of the law and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs that offer opportunities for a peaceful and productive life,” Abrahano said.
Authorities emphasized that the surrender underscores the impact of ongoing peace-building initiatives and intensified intelligence operations aimed at dismantling the remaining support networks of communist insurgent groups in the region.
The government continues to urge active and former members of insurgent organizations to abandon armed struggle and take advantage of reintegration programs that provide a pathway toward rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to their communities.