President Estrada said the operations of communist rebels have been effectively crippled in Southern Mindanao following the surrender of two New People's Army (NPA) commanders.
The President presented Amado Payot, alias Commander Benzar, and his younger brother Avelino, alias Commander Beloy, to reporters at Malacañang yesterday, saying their surrender was a big boost to the government's drive against insurgency.
"Hopefully, others will follow," Mr. Estrada said.
The brothers surrendered to military officials in Davao City last Thursday.
Commander Benzar is commanding officer of the NPA in Region XI while Commander Beloy is the secretary of a front committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and a commanding officer of a guerrilla unit.
The two were presented to the President by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Angelo Reyes and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief deputy director Panfilo Lacson.
Reading a prepared statement, Mr. Estrada called on the rebels to heed the administration's peace initiatives and reject the leadership of CPP chairman Jose Ma. Sison, who is based in the Netherlands.
"I call on all our brothers still in the field to join us in the peaceful endeavor of rebuilding our nation's economy and society," he said.
While reiterating his administration's peace policy with rebels at the local level, he stood firm on his decision to abandon talks with Sison's group.
"For the last 12 years, administrations have been holding peace talks with Mr. Sison," the President said. "I don't think we have to continue because he is a hardened communist. No amount of talking will make him change his mind."
In the open forum that followed the presentation, Mr. Estrada said the surrender came after the rebel leaders realized "the futility of their cause."
"He (Benzar) decided to surrender to authorities because he was disillusioned and frustrated with the methods of the communist movement," the President said.
Mr. Estrada pointed out that with more rebels giving up their armed struggle, the government will be able to concentrate on development programs, especially in Mindanao.
"There can be economic development without peace and order," he said.
The President pointed out that the rebel commanders turned themselves in without any prior conditions and demands.
Mr. Estrada clarified, however, that the two men, who have pending criminal cases, would have to go through the judicial process before any grant of amnesty can be considered.