BACOLOD CITY – The Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) recently welcomed 64 new members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Negros Island.

They are comprised of four former combatants and 60 dependents of the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) or Kapatiran.

They completed their 45-day basic military training at Delta Company, 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

Director Christina Loren Umali of the RPA-ABB and Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army Concerns Office, who represented Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, led the entrustment ceremony, along with Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander, at the 62nd IB headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental on Friday, November 17.

Their training was part of the Clarificatory Implementing Document's Disposition of Arms and Forces (DAF) and Security Arrangements under the supervision of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), Armed Forces of the Philippines-Peace and Development Office (AFP-PDO), and Philippine National Police-Peace and Development Center (PNP-PDC).

The CAAs received their service firearms during the entrustment rites, symbolizing their acceptance of responsibility as members of the AFP.

They will be deployed as Army force multipliers to maintain peace and order in Western and Central Visayas.

Edralin lauded them for passing the rigorous training and orientation to be part of the CAA.

He said that being a CAA member is already a responsibility. It has a purpose and it has an objective in itself, he added.

Edralin said that their training symbolized their significant transformation, as they have pledged as a member of the CAA, to the country and the people.

He said they are very confident that these new CAA members are really dedicated and committed.

“As you wear the uniform, you are not just a CAFGU, but a member of Armed Forces and the Army.” He urged them to be responsible and  adhere, follow, and respect human rights, international law, and rule of law.

He stressed that any abuse is not tolerable, and any flaws in the performance of duties cover a corresponding responsibility and accountability.

Galvez commended the CAA members for their hard work, determination, and dedication to finish the training.

This is a reflection of their desire to raise their standards of living and achieve their dreams not only for themselves but also for their family and community, he said.

Galvez lauded the AFP and the Department of National Defense for their unwavering commitment and invaluable support to the transformation of Kapatiran members.

Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that they have evolved from carefree civilians to disciplined and skilled military troops to maintain and sustain peace and order.

"You now play a significant role in our society. Your family is with you in this new life, where, from being former rebels, you have become defenders of our citizens,” Sison said.

Your commitment to this newfound endeavor is crucial for achieving true peace in Western and Central Visayas and other parts of our country, Sison said.