Manila, April 10 -- A former high-ranking commander of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered in Bukidnon province and turned over several high-powered firearms, police said Thursday.

Col. Jovit Culaway, director of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, announced in a press briefing in Malaybalay City that Aldie Salusad, a former NPA commander, surrendered after evading 24 active warrants for several years.

"He's a subject for different warrants of arrest including murder, frustrated murder, carnapping, and robbery in band," Culaway said. He added that Salusad also surrendered seven high-powered firearms, two pistols, and a shotgun.

According to records, Salusad was a former commander of a guerrilla front under the Southern...