AN ALLEGED communist rebels in Abra province surrendered to authorities last week, an official said.

Authorities said the alleged rebels are believed to be members of the Sangay Organization under the Militia ng Bayan.

Police Regional Office in Cordillera Director Elmo Francis Sarona, meanwhile, encouraged all remaining members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream of society.

“This is a time for NPAs to embrace the path to peace so that progress and development will be felt from the countryside up to the far flung communities,” Sarona added.

According to the rebels, they decided to voluntarily surrender to the government to live peacefully and to concentrate in their daily works, adding taht they will support the plans and programs of the government.

Authorities believed the ranks of Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front, and New People's Army continuously diminish following the surrender of the eight including a certain Rafael Amorsolo Bautista on July 11.

Sarona said the return of the NPA members is attributed to the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by the government.

Benefits will be given to the returnees under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government and incentives for the firearms that will be returned. (Roderick Osis)