Ex-NPAs want to become soldiers

A military official said Wednesday about 40 former New People’s Army (NPA) fighters who had surrendered to authorities in eastern Mindanao want to enlist as soldiers.

Army 701st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Reuban James Basiao made the revelation during a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, following a welcome ceremony for the former rebels.

The event was hosted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

The AFP is supervising the threeday visit to Manila of 683 ex-NPA guerrillas from Eastern Mindanao.

The first batch of 215 former rebels arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Tuesday. They flew in from Davao City on two Philippine Air Force C-130 planes.

“I don’t have the actual figure but as of the latest survey there are about…40 plus who have signified to be members of the AFP and who are qualified to be members of the AFP,” Basiao said.

He said the process of becoming a soldier is the same as that for civilians.

“Except well we will be discussing this with the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Some of the requirements might be waived such as the educational level,” he said.

During his visit in Panacan, Davao City, last December, President Duterte pledged to bring ex-rebels to Malacañang. The goal is to give them a better perspective in life particularly in peace building and nationalism, he said.

The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, OJ7, AFP brought the former rebels to Rizal Park and Intramuros as part of their historical and heritage trip.

They also got a chance to interact with other former NPA members who now work for the government side.

A visit to Malacañang to meet the President is also part of the educational tour.

The ex-NPAs will fly back to Mindanao today.

The schedule for the other batches will be drawn up by the Appointments Office of the President.

A former rebel who was part of the tour in Manila said he turned himself in to have a better life.

“I was able to get a quality job, was able to send my two siblings to school due to free education and provided with livelihood program,” the former rebel identified only as Jaylord, said.

Jaylord was also able to recruit 39 people including minors.

He urged rebels whom he was able to encourage to become NPAs to give up the ideology and return to society.