CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE — A member of the Magbutay Criminal Gang voluntarily surrendered to police in Calbayog City, Samar on Tuesday morning, September 2, following a series of quiet talks and negotiations led by local and regional law enforcement units.
The surrender was made possible through the joint efforts of the Calbayog City Police Station, Samar Provincial Police Office, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, the 804th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8, CIDG Western Samar, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The suspect, known by the alias “Cardo,” is a 23-year-old resident of Calbayog City. He was not the subject of any active arrest warrant but chose to surrender after being persuaded by authorities, with strong encouragement from his family and close friends who wanted him to leave the group and start over.
Upon surrendering, “Cardo” handed over an M16 rifle, along with a black bandolier containing five magazines loaded with 120 rounds of live ammunition.
He is now undergoing custodial debriefing at the Calbayog City Police Station, where he was accompanied by a family member. The firearm and ammunition have been turned over to investigators for safekeeping.
Police Regional Office 8 Director PBGen Jason L. Capoy praised the coordinated work of the involved units.
“This voluntary surrender is a step forward in our fight against organized crime. It shows growing trust between the community and law enforcement. We hope others still involved in illegal groups will follow suit,” he said.
PRO 8 said it remains committed to community outreach and intelligence-led operations to weaken criminal groups and promote lasting peace in Eastern Visayas.
