Philippine rebels free 2 captive soldiers

Philippine communist rebels freed two soldiers after four months of captivity Friday as a goodwill gesture prior to a possible resumption of peace talks with the government.

Rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos said three more soldiers will be released by January as part of a push to resume the stalled talks, which broke down in 2011 due to disagreements over the release of jailed rebel leaders. The government says it wants to resume talks without conditions.

Madlos spoke to journalists at a rebel camp in southern Surigao del Sur province, where the rebels marked the 46th anniversary of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines.

It’s one of Asia’s longest running rebellions that has stunted rural development and left thousands dead as rebels, who number several thousand fighters, raid police stations, mining companies and agricultural plantations.

Regional military spokesman Maj. Ezra Balagtey confirmed that the two soldiers were released unharmed.

Madlos said the release of the captives — who he said did not commit any crimes against the people — was meant to boost confidence for the restart of talks.

The exiled Communist Party founder, Jose Maria Sison, said that formal negotiations can resume next month but that the government must free rebel consultants and political prisoners.

Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles said Friday that intermediaries have been shuttling between the two parties to explore the possible parameters for the talks. She said efforts were continuing to ensure that talks don’t meet a major impasse again as in the past.