Tupi: Eight mixed violent rebel surrenderers have chosen the right path and embraced peace over violence after being convinced of the government's peace and reconciliation program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surrenderers, comprising members of the communist New People's Army and local Moro rebel groups, surrendered to authorities and turned over their firearms during a formal surrender ceremony in Tupi, South Cotabato on Thursday.

Initially, the eight combatants voluntarily surrendered to the police's Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (Soccsksargen), led by Col. Samuel Cadungon. On Thursday afternoon, they were presented to Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, director of the Police Regional Office - Soccsksargen; Lt. Col. Dranreb Canto, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion; and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., for their inclusion in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP aims to support their reintegration into mainstream society by providing them with livelihood aid from the government.

'Every decision to abandon violence and return to the fold of the law is a victory for peace and a reminder that there is always a path toward a better future,' Manibog said in a statement on Friday.

He said the group's surrender and turnover of their firearms mark a meaningful decision to leave violence behind and rebuild their lives alongside their families and communities.

'I call on other rebel combatants to avail of the government peace program by peacefully laying down their guns and abandoning violence,' he added.