5 rebels surrender in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — Five alleged New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas surrendered to the military in Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon on Saturday.

The surrenderees turned over five rifles to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

Among the surrenderees was a vice commanding officer and four members of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, according to Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., chief of the public affairs office of the 4ID.

The Army said relentless military operations and lack of civilian support for the communist movement made the rebels decide to abandon the armed struggle.

On the same day, troopers of the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion clashed with around 20 rebels in the hinterlands of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The firefight lasted 20 minutes and resulted in the recovery of several firearms and personal belongings.