By Jason De Asis

HOLY WEEK GAINS. Law enforcers in Nueva Ecija examine the explosive devices recovered during the recent Holy Week. The Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) said Tuesday (April 22, 2025) that five rebels surrendered while 13 sympathizers withdrew their support from the communist movement during the period. (Photo from Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Five communist rebels surrendered to the government while 13 supporters severed their ties with the underground movement in Central Luzon during the Holy Week, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) said on Tuesday.

“The peaceful surrender of CTG (communist terrorist group) members and the withdrawal of support (of) their sympathizers are clear indicators that our localized peace engagements are gaining traction,” PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a statement.

The PRO-3 said the “wave of defections” occurred in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, and Olongapo City from April 13 to 20, prompted by “intensified security operations and community-based peace engagements.”

“We are opening doors for those who have been deceived by violent ideologies to return to society and rebuild their lives,” Fajardo said.

During the same period, law enforcement units in the region also recovered and confiscated a cache of weapons, including eight firearms and two explosive devices.

These developments significantly hamper the operational capabilities of the remnants of the communist group in the region, the PRO-3 said, reiterating its commitment to sustained law enforcement, meaningful dialogues, and inclusive peace-building efforts. (PNA)