Thirty former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Agusan del Sur took another step toward full reintegration into civilian life after completing a six-day deradicalization and values formation workshop, a social welfare official said.
Razel Montemor, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Chief, said the former communist guerrillas attended the workshop held late last month at the Balay Kalandang Halfway House in Sitio New Leyte, Barangay Awa, Prosperidad town.
The mainstreaming program was conducted along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB).
Throughout the week, participants engaged in group reflection sessions, personal development workshops, and spiritual counseling.
The former NPA rebels were also briefed on the benefits available under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
To aid their transition, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) enrolled the returnees under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), while the provincial government distributed relief food packs to their families.
Ma. Lourdes Martinez, DILG provincial director, emphasized that sustained psychosocial support and government presence remain critical in preventing former fighters from returning to the armed movement.
Military and local officials said similar interventions will continue across the province to safeguard peace gains and shield vulnerable communities from rebel resurgence.