DERADICALIZED. At least 45 former communist New People’s Army rebels from the different towns in Surigao del Norte complete their five-day deradicalization program in a provincial training center in Barangay Bad-as, Placer town on Sunday (Nov. 12, 2023). The program is carried out by the Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion with the support of other stakeholders and support groups in the province. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)
BUTUAN CITY – The process of deradicalization has helped former NPA fighters prepare for reintegration with families and communities in Surigao del Norte, a military official said Monday.
“The program seeks to address the radical indoctrination inculcated to these former rebels and the need to transform their attitudes before their reintegration,” Lt. Col. Jerold Jale, Philippine Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion commander, said in a statement.
At least 45 former NPA rebels completed their five-day deradicalization program that ended on Sunday at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Provincial Training Center in Barangay Bad-as, Placer town.
Most of the former rebels were high-value individuals who held top positions in the communist movement while the others were regular armed members.
With the help of the other stakeholders and support groups, the ex-rebels underwent psychological rehabilitation activities that contributed to their mental and emotional well-being and helped them overcome trauma, anger, and extremist ideologies.
The program, Jale said, also provided the former rebels with ideological transformation activities through education and discussions, and exposed them to alternative viewpoints and narratives that promote peace. (PNA)
