Bulacan: A former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael, carrying an unlicensed firearm.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Ronnie Albino, commander of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), identified the surrenderer as alias 'Ka Rey,' 47, a construction worker and resident of Do±a Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan. "Ka Rey was a former member of KLG Sierra Madre-Squad Uno, who was included in the Periodical Status Report (PSR) list in 2001," Albino said.

Ka Rey revealed that he was recruited in 1997 under the leadership of alias 'Jimmy' and joined the movement due to extreme poverty. He admitted participating in armed encounters in Sapang Munti and Bulakan, Bulacan, and served as a collector of the so-called 'revolutionary tax.' He permanently left the movement in 2002 to start his own family.

To demonstrate his sincerity, Ka Rey surrendered his .38 caliber revolver without a serial number, which was immediately subjected to proper documentation. The surrender was facilitated by combined forces from the 2nd PMFC Bulacan, PIT Bulacan East, Regional Intelligence Unit 3, 24th Special Action Company, 2nd Special Action Battalion, PNP Special Action Force, Regional Intelligence Division 3, Police Intelligence Unit Bulacan, DRT Municipal Police Station, and 301st Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3.

Col. Angel Garcillano, acting provincial director of the Bulacan PPO, emphasized the importance of former rebels' conversion as a step toward peace. "Every surrendered member of the movement is a win for our community. We continue to welcome and give new hope to those who want to change their lives," Garcillano stated.