Davao City: More than 1,500 former members of the New People's Army (NPA), now referred to as Friends Rescued (FRs), gathered for a summit at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) on Wednesday to voice their concerns and express gratitude for government support in their reintegration.
According to Philippines News Agency, Arian Jane Ramos, known as Ka Marikit during her time in the NPA and now president of the Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao Region (SEMR), stated that the summit provided a platform to address pressing issues affecting FRs, including health, education, livelihood, security, and concerns over unwarranted arrests. Ramos highlighted the importance of addressing these legitimate concerns to prevent the NPA from exploiting them to re-recruit former members.
She emphasized that Kalinaw SEMR acts as a bridge between FRs and the government, ensuring that their grievances are heard. Ramos expressed confidence in the government's efforts to support them and acknowledged the responsibility of returning to mainstream society, particularly in helping prevent the resurgence of armed insurgency in their communities.
Brig. Gen. Felix Ronnie Babac, commander of the Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade, commended the former rebels for choosing peace, stating that their return to the fold of the law demonstrates that peace is attainable through collective effort.
Meanwhile, Bartolome Arcala Jr., former political officer of the NPA's Guerilla Front 55 and now president of Kalinaw Davao del Norte, thanked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the 60IB for providing a platform to voice their concerns. Arcala emphasized their commitment to leaving the armed struggle behind and working toward national reconciliation.
During the event, Kalinaw SEMR and Davao Light Power Co. signed a memorandum of agreement to provide FRs and affiliated people's organizations with computers and digital equipment. This initiative aims to support digital access and skills development among former rebels.