From the Philippine News Agency (May 24, 2024): 13 ex-NPA rebels complete ALS studies in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)
GRADUATES. Thirteen former rebels who separately surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) in 2023 and this year completed their Junior High School studies through the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education following their graduation held in Butuan City on Thursday (May 23, 2024). The former insurgents lauded the government for the opportunity to change their lives as they rejoin the mainstream society. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)
BUTUAN CITY – At least 13 former combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte have completed their Junior High School studies under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education.
The former rebels (FRs) had surrendered to the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) on different occasions in 2023 and this year.
“The ALS program is among the benefits that our FRs availed from the government when they decided to abandon the communist group,” the 23IB said in a statement on Friday.
The former rebels were among the hundreds of ALS scholars who graduated from the program in a ceremony held in Butuan City on Thursday.
“I am happy that I achieved something after leaving my violent past under the NPA movement,” Ka Arlene of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, said in a phone interview on Friday.
Ka Arlene turned herself to the 23IB in middle of 2023 after spending more than five years in the communist movement.
Another former rebel, Ka Dondon, acknowledged the government for the opportunity given to change his life.
“After my surrender last year, I immediately received assistance from the government,” Ka Dondon said, adding he plans to take up a vocational course following his completion of the ALS program.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225475
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