Two alleged rebels surrender in Oriental Mindoro, yield firearm

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Two alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) separately surrendered to authorities in Oriental Mindoro, with one turning over a .38-caliber firearm and two rounds of ammunition, police said Thursday. Police said one of the surrenderers, who was listed in the National Peace and Security Registry (NPSR), surrendered around 10 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Lumangbayan, Pinamalayan town. The other alleged rebel surrendered on Monday in Barangay San Isidro, Victoria town. Police are still verifying the identity of the second surrenderer. Authorities expressed hope that more members of the CTG would choose to surrender and avail of the government's reintegration programs for former rebels. Philippine security forces have been actively campaigning against communist rebels, whom they refer to as communist terrorists, across the country. The government offers incentives and livelihood programs for those who decide to abandon the armed struggle.