MALAPATAN, Sarangani Province – A former member of the dismantled Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to government authorities in Malapatan, Sarangani, marking another step in the government’s continuing campaign to encourage former rebels to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The surrender took place on July 24, 2026, in Sitio Salyan, Barangay Sapu Padidu, during the implementation of OPLAN PAG-ASA, a government initiative aimed at encouraging former insurgents to return to the fold of the law through peaceful means.
Authorities identified the surrenderer only by the alias “Balwak,” who previously served as a courier for the now-dismantled Guerrilla Front 71 (GF-71) of the Far South Mindanao Region.
The successful surrender was the result of a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement and military units, including the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU-12), Sarangani Provincial Police Office Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO PIU), Sarangani Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), Malapatan Municipal Law Enforcement Team (MLET), and the Alpha Company of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
As part of his voluntary surrender, “Balwak” turned over a Norinco caliber .45 pistol, one magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition, symbolizing his decision to renounce armed struggle and support the government’s peace and security efforts.
Government authorities said the former rebel will be processed for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the national government’s flagship reintegration program for former members of insurgent groups. The program provides financial assistance, livelihood opportunities, skills training, and other forms of support to help former rebels rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) said the surrender underscores the effectiveness of sustained collaboration among the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local government units in promoting peace and encouraging members of dismantled insurgent groups to choose a lawful and productive life.
Acting PRO-12 Regional Director PBGen. Alan B. Manibog emphasized that the government’s campaign extends beyond law enforcement operations, focusing on giving former rebels a genuine opportunity for a fresh start.
“Ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa mga operasyong isinasagawa kundi sa bawat buhay na muling pinipiling tahakin ang landas ng kapayapaan. Patuloy na nakaagapay ang PNP at ang pamahalaan sa mga nais magsimula ng panibagong yugto ng kanilang buhay,” Manibog said.
The latest surrender reflects the continuing decline of organized communist insurgency in parts of Mindanao, with authorities attributing the growing number of voluntary surrenders to intensified security operations, community engagement, and government reintegration programs that offer former rebels a path toward peace and sustainable livelihoods.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these efforts, stressing that every successful surrender not only weakens the remnants of insurgent groups but also contributes to lasting peace, stability, and development in communities once affected by armed conflict.