Surigao Sur completes 1st deradicalization training program, launches second batch
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur, together with partner national agencies, marked late last week the closing ceremony of the first batch, and the opening of the second group of attendees to the deradicalization training for “peace advocates” or former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF).
Thirty-one peace advocates completed Batch 1 on November 20 at the Halfway House in Barangay Dayoan, Tago, while 28 participants are now undergoing Batch 2 training—or the seven-day program designed to rebuild confidence, enhance skills, and support their reintegration into their communities.
As part of the reintegration support, Batch 1 participants received assorted in-kind goods from the provincial government. Also, each peace advocate recently received P10,000 as immediate financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
One of the participants, ‘Nenita,’ thanked the assistance and support she received after returning to the government fold. “Usa sa nakaaghat sa ako nga mubalik sa gobyerno, tungod una sa tanan, gitabangan ko nila og sulbad sa akong kaso, og ang ikaduha, mas napadali ang pagsulbad sa akong kaso. Bisan tuod niagi ko og pagka-priso tungod sa akong giatubang nga kaso, gitabangan ko.”
(One of the reasons that encouraged me to return to the government was that they helped me resolve my legal case, and secondly, they made the process faster. Even though I went through imprisonment because of my case, they still helped me).
She added that she already received government support in the form of a sewing livelihood starter kit, along with other livelihood programs, cash assistance, and various skills training that helped remold and neutralize her mindset from the doctrines previously instilled by the armed group.
Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel assured that the provincial government and all national agencies remain united in helping former rebels rebuild their lives. He emphasized the government’s commitment to support their transition and expressed gratitude to the peace advocates for choosing to return to the fold of the law.
Meanwhile, on November 21, members of the E-CLIP Committee-Technical Working Group (TWG) also attended the amnesty orientation facilitated by the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) Butuan, held in Tandag City. The session clarified the requirements, procedures, and benefits under the National Amnesty Program.
Through Presidential Proclamations No. 403 and 404, the National Amnesty Program grants amnesty to qualified members of the CPP–NPA–NDF and affiliated organizations who committed offenses in pursuit of political beliefs, allowing them a legal pathway to reintegration. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
