The Philippine Army on Thursday reported that an alleged Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader was killed in an encounter in Leyte, while eight former members surrendered in Northern Samar and turned over 13 high-powered firearms.

The Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade said troops responded on 8 September to information from a resident about armed individuals allegedly collecting money and food from communities in the hinterlands of Barangay Caridad in Baybay City, Leyte.

During a verification patrol, troops encountered the armed group, triggering a firefight that lasted about five minutes. No government troops were reported injured.

The Army identified the fatality as Erwin Murillo Maceda, alias “Romnick,” whom it described as vice team leader of Island Committee Levox under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Troops recovered an M16 rifle from the encounter site.

In Northern Samar, eight former CTG members identified only by the aliases Yanyan, Boy, Jamal, Angela, Junjun, Yana, Tanggol and Sigma surrendered and turned over 13 high-powered firearms, according to the Army.

The military said the eight decided to leave the armed movement and return to civilian life through government reintegration programs.

“The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) recognizes the vital role of communities, Local Government Units, and partner agencies in these efforts. Timely information, coordinated action, and support for reintegration contribute directly to sustaining peace and security in Eastern Visayas,” the Army said.

The 8th Infantry Division urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities while taking precautions for their safety.

It also renewed its call for remaining members of armed groups to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

“The choice remains open: continue participation in armed activity that brings security consequences or choose peace that paves the way back home to family and into the civilian life,” the 8ID said.

The Army said those who surrender may qualify for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, the provincial government’s Local Social Integration Program and the government’s amnesty program, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable guidelines.

Assistance may include financial and livelihood support, remuneration for surrendered firearms, skills training, education and health care.