NPA Couple Leaves Armed Struggle, Embraces Peace to Build a Family in Butuan City.

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Tired of running and driven by their dream to raise a child in peace, a husband-and-wife duo who once waged war in the mountains has surrendered their arms to start a new life as a family. On July 12, 2025, two (2) remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily yielded to the troops of the 48th Infantry Battalion in the vicinity of Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Anticala, Butuan City.

The surrenderees were identified as Marjun Sagay Navarro alias Julia/Etol and his wife Rosemarie Garcia alias Marianne, both known members of the Communist Terrorist Group operating in the Caraga region. Along with their return to the folds of the law, said couple turned over one (1) M16A1 rifle, a clear indication of their decision to abandon the armed struggle.

The successful surrender was the result of a joint operation and community engagement of the 48th Infantry Battalion and 29th Infantry Battalion, both under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade led by Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Rae C. Tizon, Commanding Officer of 48IB, commended the dedication and cooperation of his troops and expressed appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of 29IB, for their unwavering support in the joint efforts to end local communist armed conflict in their shared Area of Responsibility under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army.

“This surrender is a result of our intensified focused military operations and sustained collaboration with local stakeholders. We encourage the remaining members of the CTG to lay down their arms and take the path of peace. The government is ready to assist them in rebuilding their lives,” Lt. Col. Tizon stated.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, also lauded the couple for their brave decision to heed the call for peace and begin a new life focused on building a family. He described their surrender as a courageous act that symbolizes hope for lasting peace and serves as an example to others who remain in the insurgency.

He also reiterated his call to the remnants of CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and embrace a lawful, peaceful life, emphasizing that it is never too late to start anew with dignity. He further underscored the 4ID’s continued support for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers livelihood assistance, skills training, education, and psychosocial support to help former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.