'Communist terrorists' surrender in Agusan del Sur — AFP

At least 19 members of the New People's Army (NPA) have surrendered in Loreto, Agusan del Sur on the eve of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) 50th founding anniversary celebration, according to the military.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that, "Nineteen (19) communist terrorists in Brgy. Ilang-ilang, Loreto, Agusan del Sur surrendered to the joint operations of 75th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 26th IB of 401st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army on the midnight of December 25, 2018."

The rebel group turned over firearms including an M16 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, three M16 Bushmaster rifles, two M16 Elisco rifles, and one baby M16.

The military also recovered several war materials and subversive documents from the rebel group composed of commanding officers, secretary, squad leaders, and medics.

The military also said the group's leader, identified only as alias "Boss/Mark," said they decided to "return to the folds of the law in time for the holidays."

AFP Chief of staff Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. said the rebels are in the custody of the military and are undergoing validation and documentation.

"They (CPP) once again lost members who finally understood that they are not fighting for the Filipino people, but for their selfish leaders who use them to extort money and demonize the government. Happy Anniversary indeed to the Communist Party of the Philippines," Madrigal said.   

He reiterated the government's call for other rebels to lay down their arms and avail of benefits offered by the government.

“The communist terrorists continue to conduct atrocious attacks for the past few weeks and their actions are only proving how helpless and desperate they have become, especially now that they have lost more than 11,500 cadres in 2018,” he said. — BAP, GMA News