5 rebels surrender in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least five communist insurgents surrendered and yielded firearms to the military Wednesday following pressure from continuous operations in a town in Zamboanga del Sur, according to security official.

Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said five members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered about 7:30 a.m. to Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon, commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Camp Sabido, Guipps town.

The rebels also surrendered their firearms, including rifle, handguns and ammunition.

Luzon reported the NPA rebels surrendered due to pressure from police and military operations in Lapuyan town.

The rebels also claimed they were prompted to surrender due to the dwindling mass support in the area.