Eastern visayas: Six members of the New People's Army (NPA), all identified as farmers, have surrendered to law enforcement in three Samar provinces, along with turning over their firearms, as reported by the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO-8).
According to Philippines News Agency, the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) facilitated the surrender of alias "Mista," a 44-year-old resident of Pambujan and unit militia commander, who handed over an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition. Simultaneously, the 803rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8 oversaw the surrender of alias "Reden," a 33-year-old from Lope de Vega, Northern Samar. The following day, alias "Bots," a 35-year-old from Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar, surrendered a .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition.
Additionally, in Samar, the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company managed the surrender of alias "Rudy," a 55-year-old resident of Paranas, who relinquished a .38-caliber revolver with a defaced serial number. Alias "Randy," a 62-year-old farmer from Giporlos town in Eastern Samar, surrendered on the same day. Another surrender took place the following day when alias "Tiki," a 19-year-old from Can-avid, turned over an improvised firearm and ammunition.
PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy praised the dedication of the units involved, stating that these voluntary surrenders indicate increasing community trust in governmental peace and security efforts. He emphasized the commitment to protecting the public and providing former communist terrorist group members an opportunity for peaceful reintegration. The six individuals are currently under police custody for documentation, debriefing, and assessment and may be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Meanwhile, in Antipolo City, Rizal, a former NPA member voluntarily surrendered firearms, including an M1 Carbine, ammunition, an improvised impactor shotgun, and a 12-gauge slug, according to reports from the 202nd Infantry Brigade. The Army's 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) facilitated the recovery. Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, 2ID commander, noted that the surrender reflects the NPA's declining armed capability and the willingness of former members to choose peace. He commended the 202nd Infantry Brigade and encouraged remaining armed group members to lay down arms and participate in government reintegration programs for lasting peace.
