LEGAZPI CITY - Two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to government troops in Juban, Sorsogon province over the weekend.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, on Monday said the two are regular members of Yunit Guerilla of Komiteng Pamprobinsiya 3 who voluntarily surrendered on Sunday to the elements of the 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB) in Barangay Calmayon of Juban town.

"The two also turned in two M16 riffles. Also confirmed by 22IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, that after the surrender, residents in the area personally pointed to the government troops the area where other firearms and ammunitions were hidden," Belleza said in an interview.

He said based on the report of the 22IB, a barrel container was found underground by the authorities, containing three M16 rifles, hundreds of ammunitions for M14 and M16, one anti-personnel mine, communication paraphernalia, and some propaganda documents.

When asked for the names of the surrendered rebels, Belleza said their identities would not be disclosed yet for their and their families' safety.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Alex Luna, commander of 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, in a statement, urged other communist terrorist groups to follow their two comrades in going back to the fold of the law so they could start a new and peaceful life with their families.

"Tularan niyo (CTG) na po sana ang inyong mga dating kasamahan. Ang kanilang pagsuko ay siya ring pagbubukas ng pinto para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay. Marami na sa inyong mga dating kasamahan ang nabigyan ng bagong pag-asa at nabiyayaan ng magagandang oportunidad. Sila ang patunay ng magandang intensyon ng pamahalaan na tapusin na ang armadong tunggalian at mabigyan ng tahimik at mapayapang komunidad ang bawat mamamayan, at kasama kayo doon(We hope you could follow your former comrades. Their surrender opened the door to their new life. Many former rebels have now been given new hope and greater opportunities. They are living proof of the good intention of the government to end the war and give a peaceful community to every citizen including you)," Luna said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)