LEGAZPI CITY – Around 25 former rebels (FRs) are now undergoing livelihood skills training at the 4th Mobile Force Platoon headquarters in Nabua, Camarines Sur as part of their preparation for reintegration into mainstream society.
In an interview on Thursday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) spokesperson, said the training is conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Bicol and includes a workshop on assembling electronic products.
The training given to the former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) members is part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), she noted.
"E-CLIP is a program of the government that aims to give direction and assistance to those who want to go back to the folds of the law," Calubaquib said.
She said the FRs will become productive members of the community through the new skills and additional knowledge they will acquire.
"The intervention given by the government is not just for them but also for their families and the community itself," Calubaquib said.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO5 regional director, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to help surrendered rebels start a decent and peaceful life with their families through government interventions.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
