Twenty five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Mindanao surrendered to authorities Wednesday in Agusan del Sur, reports said.

During surrender rites held in the town of Loreto, Mayor Otaza turned over custody of the returnees to the local police headed by Inspector Ruben Combo.

The rebel returnees were members of the Guerilla-Front Committee 34 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in Loreto town and borders of Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley and Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.

They voluntarily surrendered to Loreto Mayor Dario E. Otaza of Loreto town and turned over several automatic rifles, guns of various calibers, and assorted live ammunition.

Mayor Otaza assured the rebel returnees of financial support as well as livelihood assistance from the government.