PALO, Leyte – A farmer who doubles as a combatant of the communist New People’s Army surrendered to government forces in Brgy. Pabanog, Paranas, Samar on August 18, 2025.
The Police Regional Office 8 said “Ryan,” a 36-year-old single farmer from Villareal, Samar, turned himself over to the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) bringing with him a grenade launcher that was issued b the communist movement for his safekeeping.
“Ryan” is said to be an active member under Squad Damol Platoon, SRC-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Damol used to be a guerilla front operating in central towns of Samar province that was reduced to a platoon after a series of setbacks since its leaders surrendered to the government in March 2022.
The group used to be in charge of transporting and distributing war materiel and medical supplies to different units of the communist terrorist group in Eastern Visayas. Its leaders Normie Quilapio, vice commander; and Adelfa Tebrero, political guide of Guerilla Front Damol, along with seven other members surrendered to the military.
The surrender was the turning point of insurgency in Samar province – which saw attacks of municipal police stations and municipal hall in 1980s – as it cut logistic support to the communist guerrilla fighters.
PRO8 said the firearm, a single-shot M203 40MM under-barrel grenade launcher with the serial number 11553, Mark Colt Harforth-Conn. USA, was turned over without ammunition but was reported to be in serviceable condition.
PRO8 regional director PBGen Jason Capoy lauded the 2nd SPMFC for successfully facilitating the surrender and confiscation of firearm saying they are a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle communist terrorist group influence in the region.
"This successful surrender is a testament to the continuous efforts of our police forces and the community's growing trust in our government’s programs,” Capoy said.
The surrenderer and the recovered grenade launcher are now under the custody of the 2nd PMFC Headquarters for proper disposition and assessment, including the possible enrollment of the surrenderer in the government’s E-CLIP.
Photo Courtesy: Police Regional Office 8 FB Page
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