BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
CAPIZ – A former member of the communist terrorist group (CTG) surrendered to authorities in Tapaz town around 1:10 p.m. on Monday, September 9.
Major Jhon Almarino Bonior, chief of the Tapaz Municipal Police Station, said the former rebel whose name was withheld appeared at their station, expressing his desire to withdraw support from the CTG and its affiliated legal front organizations.
In an interview, the former rebel said he served as a facilitator and organizer for the Lokal Seksyon Komite, Igabon Platoon, Central Front, KR-Panay of the New People’s Army from January to December 2022.
The surrenderee is now under police custody for custodial debriefing, documentation and other necessary procedures.
Tapaz police said this voluntary surrender underscores the Philippine National Police’s ongoing commitment, along with the government’s broader initiatives, to dismantle insurgent activities in Western Visayas.
The police expected his cooperation by providing valuable information that could further weaken insurgency networks operating in the area.
Bonior also encouraged other CTG members to follow suit, saying that the government is offering them a path back to normalcy through existing reintegration programs aimed at fostering peace and development in the region./PN
