Some 50 former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental are receiving psychosocial support from the provincial government to prepare them for reintegration into the mainstream society.
Those who have undergone intervention and debriefing are surrenderers under the four line battalions of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) based in northern, central and southern Negros.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of 303IBde, said in a statement that the provincial government, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police are committed to provide the necessary support and resources to help the former rebels successfully reintegrate and live normal lives.
“The change must start from within themselves and accepting the need to change is essential. We hope what the former rebels learned would guide them to have a better future,” he added.
During the three-day camp, themed “Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope”, held on Oct. 16 to 18 at Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia town, the participants underwent a psychosocial debriefing program in preparation for personal, family, and community reintegration.
The former rebels were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the psychological and emotional effects of their past experiences through sessions on stress management, coping strategies, communication skills and importance of self-care.
They also learned how to identify and address signs of trauma and other mental health issues that may arise during the reintegration process.
Former rebel Orbert “Jacking” Sabanal, who surrendered through the 94th Infantry Battalion, said that through the psychosocial program, he was able to understand his emotions and learned how to cope with difficult times.
Dr. Johnny Decatoria, camp consultant for the provincial government, underscored the importance of psychosocial debriefing in the rehabilitation and reintegration of former rebels.
“Transitioning back to civilian life after exposure to conflict and violence can be challenging for some of them. There is a need to provide them the necessary support for them to reintegrate into their families and become productive members of the community and society,” he added.
Registered social welfare Richelle Verdeprado of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office told the former rebels their stories are safe with the facilitators and they will continue to work on plans for the participants in their reintegration process.
Liberty Alarcon, head of the province’s Technology and Livelihood Development Center, also presented the different livelihood programs that can be availed by the former rebels under the provincial government. | NND News Team
