BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Being former enemies of the country, serving in the Philippine Army was a great realization for Private Vincent Dela Cruz of Barangay Daga, Cadiz, City, Negros Occidental and Private Jogie Siplao of Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
From former members of Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB), a breakaway faction of the New People’s Army, the two former rebels are now full-fledged government soldiers.
Pvts. Dela Cruz and Siplao, who recently finished their seven month-long training, were former members of RPM-P/RPA-ABB in the 2nd District of Negros Occidental.
They are among the 181 neophyte soldiers who graduated from a 7-month rigorous basic military training at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, on July 14.
On September 19, 2019, former President Rodrigo Duterte led the formal demilitarization of the former RPM-P/RPA-ABB combatants in Jamindan, Capiz.
Dela Cruz and Siplao belong to the special quota of Candidate Soldiers ‘MAILAP’ Class 689-2021.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said that the two former rebels-turned Army soldiers would inspire and motivate other youth inside the NPA to return to the folds 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 (sic) them outside the organization, and it makes a big difference,” Arevalo said.
Meanwhile, Ka Berber, a former squad leader of the New People’s Army, is now a regular member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, according to Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander.
Almonte said that Ka Berber, who was recruited to join the NPA at the age of 17, surrendered to the 94IB in August 23 last year after his realization that the ideals taught to them were different to what was happening on the ground.
While he was still a squad leader of an NPA unit in central Negros, Almonte recalled that Ka Berber figured in several armed skirmishes with 94IB and 62IB soldiers.*
