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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider From the hunted to the hunter: 2 former communist rebels become soldiers

From the hunted to the hunter: 2 former communist rebels become soldiers

Published Jul 15, 2022 07:11 pm

BACOLOD CITY – They will now set out to hunt their former comrades in the communist movement.

Two former combatants of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) in Negros Occidental have become soldiers and are now serving the Philippine Army.

Private Vincent dela Cruz of Barangay Daga, Cadiz City and Private Jogie Siplao of Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan City graduated from basic military training with 179 other neophyte soldiers at the 3rd Infantry Division in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz Thursday, July 14.

They were former members of RPM-P/RPA-ABB in the second district of Negros Occidental who recently finished their seven month-long training as government soldiers, according to the 3rd ID.

The RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

They split in 1996 due to ideological differences. 

In 2000, the RPA-ABB signed a peace agreement with the national government under President Estrada. 

Nineteen years later, former President Duterte led the formal demilitarization of former RPM-P/RPA-ABB combatants in Camp Peralta on Sept. 19, 2021.

Dela Cruz and Siplao underwent 45-day training at the 3rd ID. They were then allowed to be part of the Philippine Army and passed the seven months of rigorous and disciplined basic military training. 

In his message, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd ID commander, said that Dela Cruz and Siplao would inspire and motivate other youths inside the movement to return to the fold of the law and serve the country in a significant way. 

“I am happy that these former members of the armed movement finally realized that a brighter future is waiting for them outside the organization, and it makes a big difference," Arevalo added.

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