Photo courtesy of PNP
A member of a communist armed group surrendered to police in San Fernando, Bukidnon, and turned over an improvised firearm and ammunition, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The surrenderer, identified by police only through the aliases “Math” and “Saudi,” was described as a listed member of Squad 2, Platoon Pulang Baganing Yunit under the dismantled Guerrilla Front 89.
Police said the surrender took place in Barangay Halapitan on Aug. 26 with assistance from several PNP units, including personnel from the Special Action Force and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10.
The former rebel turned over an improvised 5.56mm revolver loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
Authorities said he was undergoing documentation and processing for possible enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides assistance to former rebels returning to civilian life.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the surrender showed that peaceful options remained available to those who wanted to leave armed conflict.
“Mas mabuting piliin ang kapayapaan kaysa manatili sa armadong pakikibaka,” Nartatez said, urging other members of armed groups to return to their communities.
The PNP said it would continue facilitating voluntary surrenders while maintaining operations aimed at protecting communities and enforcing the law.