Leftist rebel group denies mass surrender of its combatants

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denied today that many of its combatants have surrendered to the military since the arrest last March of its top leaders.

The CPP, the umbrella organization of the New People's Army- National Democratic Front (NPA-NDF), accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for "orchestrating fake mass surrender ceremonies" and fabricating figures to conjure the illusion that the military is winning the war against the leftist rebels, especially in southern Philippines.

The AFP said that some 100 members of the NPA have surrendered since the arrest and detention of CPP leaders and NDF peace consultants Benito and Wilma Tiamzon last March 22.

"The AFP's claims are completely baseless," said the CPP in a statement. "The surrender ceremonies being conducted by the AFP leadership over the past several months are all a hoax."

The leftist group accused the AFP officials of organizing fake surrender ceremonies and recycling old weapons in order to pocket the millions of pesos allotted by the Aquino government for rewards.

The government provides fund to former rebels who surrender their firearms.

The CPP said that all NPA units across the country continue to launch big and small tactical offensives against government troops.