In a significant move towards reintegration, 25 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental are participating in a comprehensive 22-day deradicalization program. Hosted by the Philippine Army’s 302nd Brigade, the initiative is designed to ease their transition back into society, offering them a fresh start away from the insurgency.
The program, which commenced on November 22 and is set to conclude on December 14, includes a variety of educational sessions. Participants are engaged in lectures on resource management, health and wellness, spiritual growth, and vocational training. These sessions aim to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead productive civilian lives.
To broaden their horizons and familiarize them with urban life, the former rebels were taken on tours to a local shopping mall and various tourist attractions in Dumaguete City. For many, this was their first encounter with modern amenities like escalators and large commercial spaces.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, the commander of the 302nd Brigade, emphasized the importance of these experiences in helping the former rebels adapt to normal life. He noted that such exposures are crucial in demonstrating the government’s commitment to their successful reintegration, thereby reducing the likelihood of them returning to the insurgency.
In addition to the educational and cultural components, the program also addresses immediate livelihood needs. The Department of Agriculture provided the participants with turkeys and native chickens as a means of support while they await further assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The provincial government is funding this pioneering deradicalization effort in the Visayas, which also includes visits to government projects focused on poverty alleviation. Some participants are also set to benefit from a socialized housing project in Basay town, where they will receive land titles from the Department of Agrarian Reform.
As they complete the program, some former rebels will return to Army battalions, while others will go back to their homes, all while awaiting the release of their E-CLIP benefits. This holistic approach underscores the government’s dedication to helping these individuals rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.