By Sarwell Meniano

SURRENDER. A key leader of the New People’s Army turns over a firearm during his surrender to the military in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar on Tuesday (Sept. 23, 2025). After his surrender, the unnamed NPA leader bared to authorities the location of a buried arms cache in San Isidro village in Matuguinao, Samar. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – A key leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, due to relentless focused military operations in the area, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) said on Wednesday.

The military did not identify the rebel leader, but described him as the vice leader of Squad 3, Regional Security Force of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

After his surrender on Tuesday, the NPA leader revealed to authorities the location of a buried arms cache in the upland San Isidro village in Matuguinao, Samar, containing one M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, and two magazines for the .45 caliber pistol, the 8th ID said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, lauded the rebel leader’s decision to surrender and his cooperation in recovering the hidden firearms cache.

“This proves that our comprehensive and decisive military approaches and strengthened local government partnerships have effectively weakened the EVRPC’s operational capabilities,” he said.

Orio reiterated his call on those still embracing the armed struggle to return to the folds of the law and be with their families.

He added that the Enhanced Local Integration Program and other interventions from the government can rebuild the rebels’ lives and help contribute to lasting peace and development in Northern Samar. (PNA)