22/07/2026
CTG TAKES TRIPLE HIT AS 5 REBELS SURRENDER, WAR MATERIEL RECOVERED
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., recorded another significant milestone in the government’s counterinsurgency campaign after five Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members voluntarily surrendered in Luzon and the Visayas, while an arms cache was recovered in Mindanao during separate joint operations conducted on July 18 and 19, 2026, further weakening the operational capability of insurgent groups and reinforcing peace and security efforts nationwide.
In Pilar, Sorsogon, personnel of the 9th Special Action Battalion (9SAB), Special Action Force (SAF), together with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, Pilar Municipal Police Station, other PNP units, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), facilitated the voluntary surrender of alias “Boy,” a non-Periodic Status Report-listed CTG member affiliated with Kilusang Larangan Gerilya 1, Sub-Regional Committee 3, Bicol Regional Party Committee.
During the surrender, the individual voluntarily turned over one caliber .38 revolver, one improvised explosive device (IED), and three rounds of caliber .38 ammunition.
Meanwhile, in separate operations conducted on July 18 and 19, 2026, in Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar, the Police Regional Office 8 facilitated the voluntary surrender of four male personalities formerly affiliated with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) through sustained intelligence gathering, community engagement, and negotiation efforts. During the surrender, one of the former CTG members voluntarily turned over one caliber .38 revolver with a defaced serial number. The four surrenderers are currently undergoing documentation, proper disposition, and assessment for possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
In a separate joint operation in Brgy. Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, personnel of the 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB), SAF, together with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, other PNP units, and the AFP, recovered a concealed CTG arms cache based on information provided by a former rebel. Recovered from the site were one caliber 5.56 rifle, two Claymore-type anti-personnel improvised explosive devices, two magazines for a caliber 5.56 rifle, and 40 rounds of caliber 5.56 ammunition. The recovered firearm, magazines, ammunition, and explosives were placed under police custody for documentation, forensic examination, and proper disposition.
“Every surrender and every weapon recovered deny terrorist groups the ability to threaten communities and endanger innocent lives. These accomplishments reflect the determination of the PNP and our partner agencies to protect the nation while creating opportunities for lasting peace,” said PNP Chief PGEN Nartatez.
“Mas marami na ang pinipiling bumalik sa mapayapang pamumuhay kaysa manatili sa armadong pakikibaka. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang tiwala ng mamamayan upang mas marami pa ang sumunod sa landas ng kapayapaan,” he added.
These accomplishments reinforce the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic direction for organizational transformation that advances responsive, intelligence-driven, and mission-oriented policing. Guided by the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP remains steadfast in reducing insurgent capabilities while supporting initiatives that encourage peaceful reintegration into society.
“Sustainable peace is achieved by combining decisive law enforcement with meaningful opportunities for those who choose to abandon violence. The PNP will remain committed to protecting every community and preserving national security through sustained collaboration with our partner agencies,” PGEN Nartatez emphasized.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagprotekta sa ating mga komunidad at sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga nais magbago. Ang kapayapaan ay bunga ng sama-samang pagkilos ng pamahalaan at ng mamamayan,” he further said.
As the PNP strengthens its nationwide campaign against insurgency through sustained operations and programs that promote peaceful reintegration under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)