CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao Norte — The Philippine Army announced recently that at least six individuals believed to be members of the New People's Army surrendered to military authorities in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

37th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar disclosed that he presented the six NPA surrenderers to Kalamansig Mayor Joaquin Concha and Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, the Army's 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, at the municipal hall on Wednesday.

Baldomar identified the surrenderers as Richel Gantangan, a political instructor; Wayda Gumpay, a medical officer; and Tirso Sakudal, Siali Digan, Bangbang Gumpay, and Layna Ampit, all members of NPA Platoon Beijing operating in the mountains of Lebak and Kalamansig towns in Sultan Kudarat.

They turned in three rifles to the 37IB following their surrender.

"I am glad you decided to surrender, and I assure you that the local government will provide you with interventions for your reintegration into society," Santos said as he lauded the 37IB for the effort to help the surrenderers.

Concha, meanwhile, handed over initial cash and food assistance to the former rebels as they reunited with their respective families.

Since January this year, some 60 NPA fighters have surrendered under the Army's 6th Infantry Division in its area of operation in Maguindanao Sur, Maguindanao Norte, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.