Manila, Feb. 13 -- Seven communist rebels have surrendered in Central Luzon in the past two weeks, the Police Regional Office (PRO 3) reported on Thursday.

Five of the surrenderees were from Nueva Ecija province while one was from Aurora and another from Pampanga.

"Every surrender, every withdrawal of support is a decisive step toward lasting peace," PRO 3 Director, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, said in a statement.

"These former insurgents have chosen the path of hope over fear, progress over conflict. Their courage to break free from the chains of deception is proof that our relentless peace-building efforts are making a real difference," she said.

PRO 3 said five rebels affiliated with Alyansa ng Mamamayang Nagkakaisa-Fort Magsaysay Mil...