Philippine communist rebels have freed two soldiers after four months of captivity as a goodwill gesture prior to a possible resumption of peace talks with the government.
Rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos said today they will release three more soldiers by January. 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.
Regional military spokesman Maj Ezra Balagtey confirmed that the two soldiers were released unharmed.
Their release could pave the way for talks to resume next month. They broke off in 2011 due to disagreements over the release of several jailed rebel leaders.
