Two members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) deserted the group this week, releasing two hostages, including a teenage boy.
Colombia's Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos says the defectors will be compensated under a government reward programme.
Colombia is encouraging rebels to desert by offering them cash rewards. Once a mighty peasant army that controlled swaths of Colombia in their fight for a socialist state, the FARC has seen its strength diminish following the death of top leaders and defections in its ranks.
Helen Long reports.
