A day after escaping an armed clash in a neighbouring town, two alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) turned themselves over to government forces in the hinterlands of Barangay Cagsalay, Arteche, Eastern Samar, on October 29, 2026.
Three Army Units Oversaw the Surrender
The 8th Infantry Division's public affairs office reported that the surrender was handled jointly by the 801st Infantry Brigade together with troops from the 52nd and 87th Infantry Battalions. Both individuals are under the custody of the concerned unit pending documentation and proper disposition, the division said.
The 8th Infantry Division identified the two surrenderees as active members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Weapons Cache Located Using Surrenderees' Information
Acting on disclosures made by the two former combatants, Army personnel recovered a concealed cache of firearms and ammunition. According to the 8th Infantry Division, the recovered items consisted of one M16 Colt AR-15 rifle, one short steel magazine, and one .38-caliber revolver loaded with three rounds.
Armed Encounter in Dolores Triggered the Flight
The Army cited initial reports indicating that the two had fled after an armed encounter in Barangay Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar, on October 28, 2026 — the day before they surrendered in neighbouring Arteche.
Intelligence Work and Family Outreach Cited as Key Factors
The 8th Infantry Division credited sustained intelligence operations, ongoing engagement with the surrenderees' families, and cooperation from the Local Government Unit of Arteche through local peace initiatives as the factors that led to the surrender, the division's public affairs office stated.
Dolores Mayor Urges Remaining Fighters to Lay Down Arms
Dolores Mayor Zaldy Carpeso appealed to remaining CTG members to surrender and take advantage of available government reintegration programs, according to the Army. The call was relayed through the 8th Infantry Division's public affairs office.
Arteche Declared Under Stable Peace and Security Condition
In its November 4, 2026 press release, the 8th Infantry Division announced that Arteche has officially been placed under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).
Source: 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army