A HUSBAND And wife who were once active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government troops in Butuan City.
The couple, tired of their life on the run, voluntarily yielded on July 12, 2025, signaling their commitment to building a new, peaceful family life.
The military identified the surrenderees as Marjun Sagay Navarro and his wife, Rosemarie Garcia. The military said both were known members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating within the Caraga region.
As a tangible sign of their decision to abandon the armed struggle, the couple turned over one M16A1 rifle to the authorities.
Their successful surrender was the culmination of a joint operation and sustained community engagement efforts by the 48th Infantry Battalion and the 29th Infantry Battalion.
These units operate under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, and are part of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Rae C. Tizon, Commanding Officer of the 48th Infantry Battalion, commended the dedication and cooperation of his troops and acknowledged the unwavering support from Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of the 29th Infantry Battalion.
“This surrender is a result of our intensified, focused military operations and sustained collaboration with local stakeholders,” Lt. Col. Tizon stated.
“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.”
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, lauded the couple’s courageous decision to embrace peace and focus on their family.
He described their surrender as a “brave decision that symbolizes hope for lasting peace and serves as an example to others who remain in the insurgency.”
Major General Anayron Jr. reiterated his call for remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle, emphasizing that it is “never too late to start anew with dignity.”
He further highlighted the 4th Infantry Division’s continued support for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides comprehensive assistance, including livelihood support, skills training, education, and psychosocial services to help former rebels successfully reintegrate into mainstream society as productive citizens.
Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division
