A LEADER of the New People's Army (NPA) and five members have surrendered and returned to the fold of the law in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon in Agusan del Sur over the weekend, the military said.

The six former rebels also turned in six high-powered and low-powered guns including an M16 rifle, two garand rifles, a shotgun and two caliber 45 pistols.

Among those who surrendered was identified by the military as Badong Lipanda alias "Reymund", commander of Platoon Banglas, sub-regional committee 3, NCMRC.

They are undergoing medical examination, assessments and counseling in preparation for their enrolment to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The military said the strong partnership and collaboration of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion with the leaders of the Indigenous Peoples, former rebels and local government units including the relentless focused military operations paved the way for the surrender of the six NPA combatants.

26IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Majarocon said the surrender of the six rebels including their leader indicates the collapse of Platoon Banglas which he said was a notorious group allegedly involved in several atrocities in the hinterland areas of the towns of San Luis, Esperanza and Talacogon.

"Ako ug ang tibuok kasundaluhan sa 26IB nalipay nga kamo nisunod sa panawagan sa gobyerno ug katawhan nga inyo nang undangon ang inyong walay pulos ug walay padulngan nga kalihokan ug mobalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno ug mamuyo nga malinawon,"Majarocon told the six rebels.