DAVAO CITY: Nineteen former members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to government troops in Davao de Oro are currently undergoing a 'deradicalization' program to prepare them to return to a peaceful life. Brig. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, said the program, which normally lasts for 10 days, would help prevent these former NPA rebels from being lured by the communist ideology again. 'The program is also part of the processes of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in order to prepare the former members of rebel groups for their reintegration to mainstream society,' he added. Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres, 10th Infantry Division commander, acknowledged efforts of the provincial government of Davao de Oro in its implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict. Torres thanked the decision of the former rebels in returning to the folds of the law and living normal lives and expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders in addressing the needs of the surrenderers.
