World · Philippines Bureau
Thirty ex-NPA rebels complete deradicalization program in Agusan del Sur
Former New People's Army guerrillas in Mindanao have completed a week-long values formation workshop as part of efforts to facilitate their transition back into civilian society. The initiative marks another milestone in the government's reintegration program for communist rebels.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Thirty former New People's Army (NPA) rebels have completed a six-day deradicalization and values formation workshop in Agusan del Sur, advancing their reintegration into civilian life, according to provincial officials.
Razel Montemor, chief of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, confirmed that the former communist guerrillas successfully finished the program. The workshop focused on values formation and ideological deprogramming as part of a broader government initiative to support rebels transitioning away from armed struggle.
The deradicalization effort is among several mechanisms employed by the Philippine government to facilitate the reintegration of former NPA members into mainstream society. Such programs typically include psychological counseling, vocational training, and livelihood assistance to help participants rebuild their lives outside the armed group.
The completion of the workshop represents progress in the government's ongoing efforts to encourage armed group members to abandon insurgency and rejoin civilian communities. Officials have emphasized the importance of comprehensive support systems to ensure successful reintegration and prevent former combatants from returning to armed movements.