Manila, April 1 -- 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" joined the NPA in 2024 and was with the Guerrilla Front 19's Platoon 7.

He turned himself in to the Provincial Special Operations Group, surrendering 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.

Col. Harry Domingo, Surigao del Sur police director, said the surrender is evidence of effective community engagement.

"This demonstrates our communities' growing trust in government," Domingo said Tuesday. "We guarantee safe passage a...