Manila: Five members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered on Sunday, which led in the discovery of an arms cache in Barangay San Isidro, Palanas, Masbate, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday. Among the surrenderers was the vice-commanding officer of Platoon 2, Kilusang Larangan 2 South, Sub-Regional Committee 4, according to PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubquib.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surrenderers handed over a .38-caliber revolver, a homemade shotgun, and a Bushmaster rifle as a sign of their sincerity. During the tactical debriefing, the rebels disclosed the location of a concealed arms cache previously used by the NPA. Acting on this information, joint personnel from police and military units conducted a recovery operation at the identified location.

The operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of war materiel, including hundreds of rounds of live ammunition, Claymore-type improvised explosive devices (IEDs), anti-tank mine-type IEDs, fragmented IEDs locally known as "bugas-bugas," rifle grenades, and a large quantity of bomb-making components and electronic devices. The NPA members, along with the surrendered firearms and all recovered war materiel, were brought to the headquarters of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion, under the 9th Infantry Division, for documentation, inventory, and proper disposition in accordance with existing operational procedures.

The five surrenderers will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), where they will receive government assistance, livelihood opportunities, and other interventions to support their reintegration into society and help them start peaceful, productive lives. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda praised the operating personnel for the successful accomplishment and emphasized that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the strong partnership between the police and military in combating insurgency.

'We urge the remaining NPA members to abandon armed violence, return to the fold of the law and avail themselves of the government's reintegration programs. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more secure, and peaceful Bicol Region,' he said.