Kalinaw News: Army’s 903rd Brigade Holds Deradicalization Program for 35 Former Rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 3, 2021): Army’s 903rd Brigade Holds Deradicalization Program for 35 Former Rebels

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Thirty-five Former Rebels (FRs) who recently surrendered voluntarily to the government attended the 4-day deradicalization program with the theme, “Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa Hatid ng Pamahalaan para sa mga Kapatid na Dating Rebelde” at the headquarters of 903rd Infantry Brigade in Castilla, Sorsogon from November 29 to December 2.

Deradicalization is part of the government’s program intended for FRs. This is being facilitated by the Army in partnership with different Local Government Agencies purposely to correct the ideologies and doctrines the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) instilled in them.

The event, which include lectures and livelihood trainings, was also a preparation for the FRs’ reintegration to the mainstream society.

During the closing ceremony, PCol. Arturo Brual Jr, Provincial Director of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, who served as the guest of honor and speaker assured the FRs that their decision to return to the folds of the law is indeed, meaningful and beneficial not only to them but also to their families.

“If you go back to the folds of the law ay makakasama ninyo at mayayakap ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay at makakasiguro po kayo that the government is with you, tumutupad sa pangakong tulungan kayo na maisaayos ang inyong buhay,” PCol. Brual said.

Meanwhile, for Col. Alwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Brigade, events like these open countless doors of opportunities for FRs who wish to live a normal life again.

“Isa itong patunay na hindi pa katapusan ng lahat. Kahit minsan silang umanib sa teroristang grupo, maaari pa rin silang mamuhay ng mapayapa at produktibo,” Col. Almase said.

On the other hand, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, enjoined the FRs to help the government in opening the eyes of the local populace about the danger of joining the CTG.

“FRs are vulnerable and they can still be deceived by the communist terrorists. But with the deradicalization, they are freed from the wrong mindset and belief. We are positive that after this, they will have the boldness to call on their former comrades to abandon the armed movement and join us in our continuing peace efforts,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that last November 4-5, a Former Rebels Summit was also held in Pili, Camarines Sur. Just like the deradicalization program, the event also aimed to empower the FRs as peace advocates and involve them in the government’s peace initiatives.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-903rd-brigade-holds-deradicalization-program-for-35-former-rebels/