39 ex-NPAs undergo values formation, psychosocial activity

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): 39 ex-NPAs undergo values formation, psychosocial activity

Thirty-nine former New People's Army rebels have undergone a three-day values formation and psychosial activity in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office) 

Thirty-nine New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers completed a three-day values formation and psychosocial activity on Thursday in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The activity was initiated by the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion to address the needs of the surrenderers who recently yielded to military authorities.

“After returning to the mainstream of society, former rebels have to be indulged in activities like this (values formation and psychosocial activity),” said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

Dela Vega said the values formation and psychosocial activity will help the NPA’s reintegrate into the mainstream society.

The activity, which started on Tuesday, was held at the Executive Hall, capitol compound, Pagadian City.

It was made possible through the military's collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Agriculture.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063944