Eight members of a communist militant group have surrendered to the military in the southern Philippines.Army Capt. Alberto Caber said among those who surrendered were two women. He said the group surrendered on June 6 to the 27th Infantry Battalion in in South Cotabato province. He identified those who yielded to the army as Ruben Dalisan, Ruben Timbang, Torib Tuan, Dicky Tuan, Banas Sodaw, Jomer Dalisan, Jemma Dalisan and Finish Timbang.
Caber said the villagers had been exploited by the NPA. He said, "They were deceived and exploited. The NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines use these people in anti-government rallies, extortion activities, and as support role in the conduct of atrocities and other criminal activities."
He said some 450 members of the group had surrendered to the Eastern Mindanao Command this year.