BUKIDNON, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its anti-insurgency campaign in Northern Mindanao after authorities arrested a wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader and secured the voluntary surrender of a former rebel member in separate operations conducted in Bukidnon on June 24 and 25.
The operations, carried out with the support of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (SAF), highlight the government’s dual approach of enforcing the law against armed insurgents while providing opportunities for former rebels to peacefully reintegrate into society.
On June 25, personnel of the 1st Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force, provided tactical support to the 1003rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 and other PNP units during the voluntary surrender of a female CTG member identified only by her alias, “Etchie,” in Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
Police identified Etchie as a Police Station Revalidated (PSR)-listed CTG member and former medic of the dismantled Squad 2, Platoon Pulang Bagani Yunit, Guerrilla Front 89, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
During her surrender, Etchie voluntarily turned over a caliber .45 pistol, two magazines, and six rounds of ammunition to authorities.
She is currently undergoing documentation and processing for possible enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government initiative designed to assist former rebels in returning to mainstream society through financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, and other reintegration support.
A day earlier, on June 24, the 1st Special Action Battalion also provided tactical support to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office and other PNP units during the arrest of alias “Jambo,” a male PSR-listed CTG vice commanding officer, in Barangay Saint Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Authorities said Jambo was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest for Multiple Attempted Murder issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 9, in Malaybalay City.
Following his arrest, the suspect was turned over to the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office for documentation and proper legal disposition.
PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III emphasized that the twin accomplishments underscore the importance of combining law enforcement operations with programs that encourage insurgents to abandon armed struggle.
“The arrest of wanted insurgents and the voluntary surrender of former CTG members demonstrate that sustained law enforcement efforts, coupled with opportunities for reintegration, are essential to achieving lasting peace and protecting our communities,” the PNP chief said.
He added that the police organization remains committed to pursuing those who violate the law while extending support to individuals who sincerely choose to return to peaceful civilian life.
“Patuloy naming pananagutin ang mga lumalabag sa batas at susuportahan ang mga taos-pusong pipili ng mapayapang pamumuhay upang makapagsimula muli,” he said.
The PNP said the operations are aligned with its Focused Agenda, a strategic framework aimed at strengthening police operations, improving professionalism, and enhancing community-centered policing. The agenda prioritizes enhanced police operations and active community support to sustain counterinsurgency efforts while promoting peaceful reintegration and stronger collaboration with local communities.