THREE members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities following a clash in Bukidnon, the military reported.
The military identified the surrenderers as Roel Saavedra, vice commanding officer of Platoon 1, RSDG Compaq, NCMRC; Raul Litionia, team leader bravo of the same group; and Irine Almahan Haguilay, another team member of the same group.
According to the three rebels, they surrendered as they can no longer endure the extreme hunger and exhaustion because of the unceasing operations of the military.
"Grabe nga kagutom ug kakapoy ang akong nahiaguman human sa pipila ka tuig kong pag panerbisyo sa kalihukan. Nahiamguhan ko na ang mga bakak nga saad sa maong kalihukan hinugdan sa akong pag surrender karon. Walay natabang sa ako ang hukbo ug hinungdan pa sa pagkabungkag sa akong pamilya maong dako ang akong pagbasol," Saavedra said.
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, for his part, lauded the decision of the three former rebels to go back to the government and choose peace.
"Nalipay usab kami kay aduna npod kitay dugang nga mga kaigsuonan nga naluwas gumikan sa mga terroristang grupo," Bacus said.
The 8IB commanding officer also called all remaining rebels to lay down their arms and embrace peace while celebrating Christmas with their families.
"Ang gobyerno andam motabang kaninyo alang sa hingpit nga pagbalik ninyu sa komunidad," Bacus added.
At present, the three surrenderees are in the custody of the 8IB while processing the benefits they can receive from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.