MANILA — All surrendered New People’s Army (NPA) rebels will undergo integration procedures so that they can live normally with their families and loved ones.
This was emphasized by 701st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Reuben James Basiao in an interview Wednesday.
Basiao said the rebel returnees would undergo a program called “Happy Home” which would last for three to four months.
The process starts with a 10-day political deradicalization which takes place shortly after the NPAs surrender and is quickly followed by psycho-social counselling, TESDA skills training, and livelihood assistance programs before surrenderees are allowed to go back in their respective communities.
Basiao was one of the military officers who accompanied 215 surrendered ex-NPA members in their three-day guided tour in Manila and meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang Wednesday.
Most of these rebels came from the Eastern Mindanao region. (Priam Nepomuceno, with reports from Raymart T. Lolo, OJT/PNA)
