2 NPA leaders surrender

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two New People’s Army (NPA) leaders surrendered in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday.

Col. Redentor Retusto, Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the surrenderees as Elbert Sumasay and Ellen Gumabat, team and medical leaders, respectively, of an NPA unit under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Retusto said the surrender was facilitated by police and military intelligence units through the assistance of former rebels.

“They said they wanted to settle down... and end their hardship. They also received good feedback from their former comrades... about the government’s reintegration program,” he said.