BUTUAN CITY – A platoon commander and four members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military on Valentine’s Day in Agusan de Norte.

FIVE New People's Army rebels surrendered to the military in Agusan del Norte on Valentine's Day.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, commanding officer of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, said the rebel returnees were members of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Sagay of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
Balingao said they turned over four M16 Armalite rifles, an M4A1 rifle, and bullets.
He said they returned to the fold of the law following harsh conditions in the mountains, lack of food, intensified military operations in the hinterlands.
Balingao also credited their surrender to the proactive efforts and negotiations of the 23rd IB.
They are now under debriefing and prepared for enrollment to the government’s E-CLIP program where they will receive immediate cash assistance and livelihood.
Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding general of the Army 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade based in Camp Bancasi here, welcomed the surrender of these communist rebels and urged their comrades to avail themselves of the government’s peace and development program.