67-year-old ex-communist militia member surrenders in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A 67-year-old former militia member associated with a communist rebel group surrendered to authorities in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, on Friday, Oct. 16, police said.

The man, a married government employee and farmer, previously served in the Milisyang Bayan of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) KLG Ignacio Calabria Magadia unit, which operates in the province, according to the Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office (OrMin PPO).

He surrendered at the headquarters of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay San Isidro, Victoria, to Lt. Col. Aldwin Santos, company commander, and Capt. Joselito A. Punzal, platoon leader of the unit’s first platoon.

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Police attributed the surrender to sustained intelligence efforts, including community visits, dialogues and meetings in Barangay San Cristobal aimed at persuading individuals linked to the armed group to abandon the armed struggle.

The operation involved the Victoria Municipal Police Station, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 4B, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4B, the Philippine Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion and 23rd Military Intelligence Company, and the 2nd Special Action Company.

Oriental Mindoro police director Col. Efraim A. Camara said authorities would continue engaging communities to encourage individuals to renounce armed violence and pursue peaceful lives.

“We will continue strengthening our engagement with communities to convey the message that there is always an opportunity to change and start anew,” Camara said in Filipino.

He stressed that sustained dialogue and cooperation among government agencies were crucial to promoting peace and encouraging individuals to abandon armed conflict.

The provincial police office said it would continue working with partner agencies to expand opportunities for peace and help ensure public safety in the province.