A former asset of the dismantled West Front Committee under the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan voluntarily surrendered and turned over firearms in Sitio Intik, Barangay Sicalao, Lasam, Cagayan, with the assistance of the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The surrender was facilitated by Alpha Company, 17th Infantry Battalion, following a series of sustained dialogues and community engagements, according to the military.
The 17th Infantry Battalion identified the individual as a former asset of Edgar Bautista, also known by the alias “Simoy,” who was linked to the dismantled West Front Committee operating under the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan.
During the surrender, the former asset turned over one .22-caliber revolver, two .22-caliber pistols, and several improvised or homemade shotguns. The firearms were surrendered voluntarily to government forces, the Army said.
Military officials noted that cooperation between the Army and members of the local community played a key role in encouraging the individual to return to the government. The Army did not provide further personal details about the former asset.
The surrender forms part of the continuing campaign of the 17th Infantry Battalion to strengthen peace and security in Cagayan province through community-based and confidence-building approaches.
The Army said such efforts focus on sustained engagement with communities, aimed at reducing support for armed groups and encouraging individuals involved in past insurgent activities to reintegrate into civilian life.
Authorities said peace and security operations in the province remain ongoing.
