TALAKAG, Bukidnon, Philippines — Five alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in Talakag, Bukidnon, and turned over five firearms during a surrender activity on Friday afternoon, October 23, according to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10).
The surrender took place at approximately 1:05 p.m. at the headquarters of the 1004th Maneuver Company in Sitio Masimag, Barangay Tagbak, Talakag. Authorities identified the five surrenderers by their aliases: “Sang,” 48; “Dula-dulaan,” 56; “Jam,” 24; “Merah,” 20; and “Nobais,” 35. All five are residents of Talakag.
Police reported that the individuals were members of the NPA operating under Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. Their alleged organizational affiliations have not been independently verified.
Five firearms turned over
The five individuals surrendered a total of five firearms, consisting of three improvised shotguns, one improvised caliber .22 rifle, and one caliber .38 revolver.
According to authorities, none of the firearms had an indicated make, model, or serial number. The weapons were turned over as part of the surrender process and are now under the custody of the 1004th Maneuver Company for proper processing and documentation.
The surrender was facilitated through coordinated efforts involving personnel of the 1004th Maneuver Company, intelligence operatives from the battalion headquarters and the 1003rd Maneuver Company, both under RMFB 10, and the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Authorities said the five individuals and the surrendered firearms remain under the custody of the 1004th Maneuver Company at its headquarters in Barangay Tagbak while the necessary procedures are undertaken.
Police cite continuing peace efforts
PCOL Pobleó Mariano P. Magistrado V, force commander, described the surrender as part of continuing efforts by police personnel and partner agencies to persuade individuals involved in armed groups to abandon armed struggle and pursue a peaceful path.
“This voluntary surrender reflects the continuing efforts of our personnel and partner agencies to encourage individuals to abandon armed struggle and embrace the path toward peace,” Magistrado said.
He added that the police remain committed to initiatives aimed at promoting public safety, strengthening cooperation with communities, and contributing to lasting peace and security in Bukidnon.
The activity was conducted in line with the directives of PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., regional director of Police Regional Office 10, and the priority agenda of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, particularly on sustained law enforcement and community engagement.
The surrender adds to ongoing police efforts to encourage members of armed groups to lay down their weapons. Further details on the circumstances leading to the five individuals’ decision to surrender, as well as whether they will undergo formal reintegration or assistance programs, were not provided in the information released by authorities.