‘Akap Kapatid’ gives new hope for CL rebel surrenders — PRO3
CAMP Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3, in collaboration with the 7th Civil-Military Operations, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Central Luzon Cadre Team, launched “Akap Kapatid” program to help former members of communist terrorist groups start a new life.
The one-day activity was held last Wednesday at the RO3 Grandstand Conference Room, Camp Captain Julian Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and participated by 20 rebel returnees from the different areas of Central Luzon.
Col. Romell Velasco of RCADD3 said the event is a psycho-social intervention program, with two phases — the short term that will focus on the self-assessment, psychosocial program and confidence building of participants; and the long term, which will focus on the general welfare of the “balik-loob” on how they can return to the community and live peacefully and sustainably.
“The most important is that they will be radicalized, the way they view the government will change and we have shown that the government looks after their welfare,” said Col. David Poklay of RID3.
Gen. Narciso Domingo of the PRO3 DRDA, who attended the culmination of the event on behalf of PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, explained that through the “Akap Kapatid” they are embracing Filipinos who were once left behind by providing services not only from the PNP and the Philippine Army.
Narciso welcomed the rebels, who chose to surrender, and encouraged them to inspire other rebels to join them by surrendering their weapons to the government.
He vowed that the PRO3, along with other RTF-ELCAC member agencies, will continue to assist rebel returnees in their peaceful and successful reintegration into the society.
