KORONADAL: Over the weekend, five members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, marking a notable development in the region's security dynamics.
According to Philippines News Agency, police director for the Soccsksargen Region, the rebels' identities are being withheld for security reasons, as per their request.
Macaraeg disclosed that the first three rebels, affiliated with Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region, surrendered to the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion - 12 in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday morning. Later that afternoon, two more rebels turned themselves in to the Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Hanoon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. These two rebels also handed over a .38-caliber revolver and a hand grenade as part of their surrender.
The police director commended the efforts of the police in facilitating this peaceful surrender, describing it as an encouraging sign in the ongoing efforts to address the insurgency in the region.