The leader of a nationalist armed group which occupied a remote Andean police station says the group will surrender. Former army Major Antauro Humala told a local radio station his followers would publicly lay down their arms on Monday as long as their safety was guaranteed.

This comes after mediation efforts, but also after rumors spread of an impending assault on the rebels. Four policemen and one rebel died on Sunday in an exchange of fire in the town of Andahuaylas. The government had declared a regional state of emergency after the 150 reservists seized the police station on Saturday, taking 10 officers hostage. Maj Humala had previously demanded the resignation of President Alejandro Toledo. Toledo has become deeply unpopular amid corruption allegations, with consistent approval ratings of about 9%.