President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo late last night expressed elation over the release of two Army soldiers held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) for almost six months in the mountain fastnesses of the Bicol region.

The President also thanked Congressman Rolando Andaya, Jr. (lst dist., Camarines Sur) and and others involved in the negotiations for the safe release of 1st Lt. Ronaldo Fidelino and Pfc. Ronel Nemeno.

The President received Fidelino and Nemeno at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday at the "Malacañang sa Sugbu" (Malacañang in Cebu) here. Sporting months-old beards, the two Army troopers were escorted by Andaya from Bicol to meet personally with the Chief Executive immediately after their release by their NPA captors.

They were accompanied by Mrs. Leah Fidelino and her one-year old baby Ali, and government peace negotiating panel chief Silvestre Bello III, in taking a one-hour flight from Pili, Camarines Sur.

The two former captives were turned over by the NPA to the National Red Cross at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Dicalen, Presentacion, Camarines Sur.

"I thank God for the safety of these soldiers and for the peace of mind that has been restored to their loved ones. I particularly congratulate Camarines Sur Congressman Rolando Andaya, Jr. and his group for their successful effort to secure the release of the soldiers. The nation, especially our men in uniform, will be forever grateful to you, Nonong and your group," the President said.

Among those who were present when the President welcomed the two soldiers were newly-designated Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Presidential Assistant Ed Pamintuan, newly designated Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, and several military officials.

Andaya disclosed that he was given permission by the President to negotiate for the release of the two soldiers after Mrs. Fidelino sought his help a month ago.

"The safe release of our soldiers culminated the patient efforts of a concerned group that continues to have faith in our people’s capacity to get rid of the obstacles to national unity and peace. On the part of the government, we always maintain that all propositions be considered if such will lead to preserving lives and the attainment of our higher objective of containing the damage caused by the perverse dispute that has inflicted deep wounds on our national life for decades. Once again to our young men, welcome back. To everybody concerned, congratulations," the President said.

Bello said the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) could resume next month in Manila.

After their meeting with the President, the two soldiers and their families, together with Andaya and Bello, took a flight back to Manila.