1,204 NPA supporters reoriented

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 4): 1,204 NPA supporters reoriented

A REORIENTATION program was conducted by the local government of Maco, Compostela Valley and the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion for 1,204 former New People’s Army (NPA) members around 8 a.m. at the Barangay Anibongan gym on April 2.

1Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 71st IB, said the event aims to reintroduce government programs to former NPA rebels and supporters in far-flung communities in the hopes of making their transition back to mainstream society easier.

The event was participated by identified members of the NPA’s underground mass organizations (UGMOs), former rebels and supporters from barangays Sangab, New Visayas, Magangit, Concepcion, Taglawig, New Asturias, Lapu-lapu, Dumlan, Anibongan, Mipangi, and Libay-libay of Maco.

She said the participants were given a chance to surrender and clear their names through a series of interviews and validations conducted by the Philippine Army and PNP personnel in the area.

Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander; Maco Vice Mayor Voltaire Carlos R. Rimando; Sr. Supt. Marvin Manuel P. Pepino, director Compostela Valley Provincial Police Office; Lt. Col. Esteveyn E. Ducusin, commanding officer of the 71st IB; Chief Insp. Gomersendo L. Diwata II, Maco Municipal Police Station commander; and Jonathan J. Leybag, municipal local government operation officer of Maco.

The officials shared the sincerity of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to help poor communities and bring government closer to the people. The participants were also given a chance to ask questions after the speeches.

The activity culminated with the commitment of the participants to denounce their allegiance to the NPA.

http://mindanaotimes.net/1204-npa-supporters-reoriented/