TALAKAG, Bukidnon — A 38-year-old alleged member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to government authorities in Talakag, Bukidnon, on September 3, bringing with him an improvised shotgun and two rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.
The surrender took place at about 9:40 a.m. at the headquarters of the 1004th Maneuver Company (MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) in Barangay Tagbak, Talakag.
Police identified the surrenderer by the alias “Tonton,” a married resident of Bukidnon who was described by authorities as a member of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) of Guerrilla Front 68, Sub-Regional Committee 4, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The surrender was jointly facilitated by personnel of the 1004th MC, RMFB 10, together with the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (Buk-PIU) and the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Team (Buk-PIT).
Authorities said Tonton turned over one improvised shotgun and two rounds of 12-gauge ammunition during the surrender.
Following the turnover, the former CTG member was placed under the custody of the 1004th MC headquarters for custodial debriefing and individual profiling, while the surrendered firearm and ammunition were secured by the same police unit.
The latest surrender forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to encourage members and supporters of armed groups to abandon armed activities, surrender their weapons and return to civilian life through peaceful and lawful means.
Police authorities said the operation is also aligned with the focused agenda of Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strengthen internal security while supporting government initiatives aimed at convincing members of armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. stressed that the surrender demonstrates that individuals involved in armed conflict still have an opportunity to choose a peaceful path.
“Every firearm laid down is a step toward lasting peace and safer communities,” Babagay said.
He also appealed to other individuals who remain involved in the armed struggle to follow the same course.
“We urge those who remain in the armed struggle to make the same choice—lay down your weapons, return to the folds of the law, and build a better future with your families and communities,” he said.
The police official’s statement underscored the significance of the surrender beyond the recovery of the firearm, framing the voluntary turnover as part of broader efforts to reduce the presence of armed groups and promote peace and security in communities affected by insurgency.
For now, Tonton remains under the custody of the 1004th MC as authorities conduct the necessary debriefing and profiling procedures. The improvised shotgun and ammunition also remain secured by the unit.