7 leftist rebels surrender in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least seven members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities in southern Philippines, further dwindling the rebels' strength in the region, a military official said today.

Capt. Albert Caber, spokesman of the Philippine military's Eastern Mindanao Command, said the latest to surrender to soldiers in Compostela Valley province on Sunday was Efren Genoya alias Jonas, alleged leader of an NPA's extortion team.

Caber said four others, including two women, surrendered to soldiers over the weekend in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato province while two others turned themselves in to authorities in Baganga town, Davao Oriental province, on Jan. 24.

He said this brought to 20 the number of NPA fighters in Mindanao who surrendered to the Philippine military this month.

"The returnees revealed that they were persuaded by the false promises of NPA leaders. They all want to be reunited with their respective families. They are now undergoing interview at the ( military) headquarters," said Caber.

Last year, he said, a total 200 leftist rebels surrendered to authorities in southern Philippines.