TACLOBAN CITY — The government’s campaign to end insurgency in Eastern Visayas scored another gain after seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in separate operations across four provinces on February 21–22, 2026, authorities said.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) reported that the surrender took place in parts of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, and Eastern Samar, with the former rebels also turning over firearms and explosives.
PRO-8 said the operations were part of intensified law enforcement and community engagement efforts aimed at persuading members of insurgent groups to abandon armed struggle and return to mainstream society.
The surrenderers were identified by their aliases as “Tibo,” 54; “Bongo,” 58; “Ador,” 50; “Jun,” 35; “Paing,” 40; and “Pikoy,” 65 — most of whom are farmers.
Authorities said another personality also yielded during the series of operations. They were reportedly affiliated with NPA units operating in Eastern Visayas.
Recovered during the surrender were one handgun revolver with live ammunition, one caliber .38 revolver with three rounds of ammunition, one rifle grenade, and one M26 grenade, commonly referred to as a “lemon grenade,” without a serial number.
Police said the operations were conducted through the coordinated efforts of maneuver companies, provincial intelligence units, municipal police stations, and elements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in the region.
PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy commended the operating units, attributing the surrender to sustained security operations and strengthened partnerships with local communities.
“The surrender of these CTG members reflects the positive results of sustained police operations and strong community partnerships. We remain committed to assisting those who return to the fold of the law in leading peaceful and productive lives,” Capoy said.
The former rebels are now under police custody for documentation and assessment. They will be processed for enrollment under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides financial assistance, livelihood support, and other social services to help former insurgents reintegrate into society.
Eastern Visayas has long been among the regions affected by communist insurgency. In recent years, authorities have intensified both security operations and reintegration initiatives under the government’s whole-of-nation approach to address the decades-old armed conflict.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
