Three former communist rebels have surrendered to authorities in Bukidnon, Northern Samar and Samar, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday.

The surrenders highlight ongoing government efforts to encourage members of armed groups to abandon violence and reintegrate into society through official assistance programs.

Last 25 July, a 34-year-old former member of the dismantled Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Peddler surrendered to police at headquarters in Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Identified only by his alias, “Roden,” he turned over a homemade .45-caliber pistol, a steel magazine and ammunition.

Roden told authorities he was inspired to surrender after seeing former members successfully reintegrate into society through government programs.

That same day, a 53-year-old former rebel surrendered at the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company headquarters in Catubig, Northern Samar, following a joint operation with the Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion.