Manila, April 22 -- Five communist rebels surrendered to the government while 13 supporters severed their ties with the underground movement in Central Luzon during the Holy Week, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) said on Tuesday.

"The peaceful surrender of CTG (communist terrorist group) members and the withdrawal of support (of) their sympathizers are clear indicators that our localized peace engagements are gaining traction," PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a statement.

The PRO-3 said the "wave of defections" occurred in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, and Olongapo City from April 13 to 20, prompted by "intensified security operations and community-based peace engagements."

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