“More rebels are now convinced to surrender due to the increasing awareness of the government's programs,” said Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID).
The first two NPA rebels surrendered in Panay Island late in May. The 33-year-old alias "Samson" and the 21-year-old alias "Andrew" gave up themselves to the 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Dingle, Iloilo.
Samson and Andrew are from Lambunao, Iloilo. They were members of a squad of Baloy Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay that operates in central Iloilo.
Samson and Andrew surrendered one caliber .38 revolver and one fragmentary hand grenade.
Capt. Kim Apitong, 3rd ID spokesman, said the other two NPA rebels surrendered in Negros Island last June 10.
The couple identified as alias "Yago" and "Yassy" surrendered to the local government of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The 36-year-old male rebel and 23-year-old female rebel were both political instructors. They surrendered after they learned of the programs of the government for rebel returnees.