New People's Army (NPA) rebels Friday released two soldiers they abducted in August in southern Philippines.
According to military authorities, privates Marnel Cinches and Jerel Yorong were released to religious leaders and local officials in Bukidnon province of Mindanao island, Xinhua reported.
Jorge Madlos alias Comrade Oris, spokesperson of the NPA's northeastern Mindanao regional committee (NEMRC), said the two soldiers were released after the rebel movement found them not guilty of any crime against the people and the movement.
The two were abducted while they were on their way to their outpost in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon Aug 22.
Last week, the NPA freed two soldiers it seized in Davao del Norte province earlier this month.
The 4,000-strong NPA has been fighting a leftist insurgency in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.
--Indo-Asian News Service
ksk/pku/vt
