DAVAO CITY — The 241 former New People’s Army (NPA) members have traveled to Manila to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte later Wednesday, February 21, in Malacañang.
Composed of eight women and 203 men, the former rebels left Davao Tuesday via two Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at Davao City International Airport with a hope of a better life out of the communist struggle.
Their Manila-trip will give them a better perspective on life, particularly in peace-building and nationalism.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson for Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said, “It is part of the government’s continuing activity of reintegrating the former rebels in the mainstream society.”
The group is composed of 241 former rebels from Compostela Valley Province and Davao Del Norte. They were part of the 683 NPA members from different parts of the Eastern Mindanao area that were presented to the President on December 21, 2017, in Panacan, Davao City.
Just like the first batch, the 241 former rebels will tour historical and heritage trip to Luneta Park and Intramuros.
They’re also accorded a welcome ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo hosted by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero. Prior to their dinner with the President, the former rebels will interact with other former NPA members who are now advocates of peace and development.
Balagtey said the trip of the third batch of the former rebels is now being worked out with the Appointments Office of the President.
Last February 6 to 8, the first batch composed of 215 former rebels toured and dined with the President.
So far, they are enrolled in the Technical-Vocational Education Training with TESDA XI as part of their social integration program.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., the Commander of the Eastmincom, reiterates the willingness and openness of EMC to assist NPA members who are willing to surrender.
“We are committed and more than willing to accommodate NPAs who want to return to the folds of the law and take part in building a nation of peace for progress and development,” Madrigal said.
The programs lined up for the 683 former rebel are “manifestation of the social economic reforms being implemented by the government,” Madrigal said. (Rhoda Grace Saron/PNA Featured photo courtesy of Eastmincom PIO)
