Manila: A New People’s Army (NPA) fighter operating in the Caraga Region voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Surigao del Sur over the weekend. “Rebisco/Buhay,” who joined the NPA in 2004 and was with the Guerrilla Front 19’s Platoon 7, turned himself in to the Provincial Special Operations Group. He surrendered an AK-47 rifle with ammunition and a rifle grenade, which are weapons typically used in NPA operations across the mountainous borders of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Harry Domingo, the Surigao del Sur police director, stated that the surrender serves as evidence of effective community engagement. “This demonstrates our communities’ growing trust in government,” Domingo said Tuesday. “We guarantee safe passage and support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for all who choose peace.”

The surrenderer is currently undergoing debriefing and will receive psychosocial support before entering the E-CLIP, which provides livelihood assistance and housing to former rebels.