Bagong Pilipinas initiative fuels hope for lasting peace in Bicol

By Keren Anne Bernadas

THE efforts to reintegrate former rebels under the Bagong Pilipinas program have helped build trust and security among Filipinos, laying a strong foundation for ending insurgency in the Bicol region, according to Maj. Gen. Noe Alberto Q. Peñafiel, the newly installed commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Since 2022, at least 533 members of the communist New People’s Army in the region have returned to the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). This program has provided crucial support to former rebels, aiding their transition back into society.

The 9th Infantry Division has neutralized over 2,100 affiliates of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) across the region under the current administration. Of these, 60 were killed, 23 were captured during encounters, and 47 were arrested.

As a result of these efforts, more than 1,560 rebels have withdrawn their support, and 452 assorted firearms and 419 anti-personnel mines were seized.

“Four hundred seventy FRs [former rebels] received immediate assistance, 304 received livelihood support, and 135 received firearms remuneration. The FRs were housed in halfway houses and received comprehensive support services from local agencies, including psychosocial support, education, healthcare, and legal services,” Peñafiel said.

Under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) will continue to enhance its civil-military operation efforts. This includes neutralizing support networks of communist terrorists, strengthening community stability through the deployment of mobile community support and sustainment teams, countering radicalization and violent extremism, and promoting good governance and inclusive development across the region.

Peñafiel’s ‘WINs’ in Bicol

Under the leadership of Major General Peñafiel, efforts to triumph in counterinsurgency will be strengthened. During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on August 12, he outlined his programs for the infantry division, known as WIN:

• Working as a team involves focusing all resources on a seamless synchronization of operations and sustainment efforts.

• Innovating for the campaign means not only doing what is novel but also revisiting old and tested ways of doing things.

• Nurturing peace and preparedness for defense entails putting an end to the insurgency in Bicol, employing robust mechanisms to prevent its resurgence, and preparing our forces for territorial defense.

“The Philippine Army focuses all its resources on a seamless synchronization of operations and sustainment efforts. Functions and units shall not work in their silos but with the campaign and requirements of the Army in mind. It shall be a blend of operational excellence and good governance,” he said.

Formerly known as “Ka Jun,” Sgt. Virgilio Pumarejo from Irosin, Sorsogon, was serving as one of the chiefs of the provincial unit guerilla in the New People’s Army when he surrendered to the 9ID.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga sundalo na kumuha sa’kin. Simula noon, nabigyan ako ng trabaho at napag-aral ang aking mga anak. Nagkaroon din kami ng sariling bahay at maayos na pinagkukunan ng kita araw-araw,” Pumarejo said. (I am grateful to the soldiers who took me in. Since then, I have been given a job and my children have been educated. We also have our own home and a stable source of income every day.)

Couple Pande Juarin and Mary Grace Roblando returned to the law after being encouraged by government programs and services would be the way to change their dark and enslaved lives.

“Binigyan kami ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay at magkaroon ng pag-asa. Mahalaga ito sa amin tinatamasa na naming ngayon ang pribelehiyo para sa isang payapang buhay araw-araw. Ngayon, nakatanggap kami ng tulong pinansyal, medikal at hanap-buhay,” Juarin said. (We were given the opportunity to change our lives and have hope. This is important to us; we are now enjoying the privilege of a peaceful life every day. Now, we have received financial, medical, and livelihood assistance.)

Ronald Busa Acabal, who served as one of the rebellion cadres of the NPA-Communist Party of the Philippines when he voluntarily surrendered to the 9ID, now publicly supports the Philippine government.

“Nakita ko po ang trabaho at misyon ng Philippine Army na hindi lang nakikipagbakbakan kundi magbigay serbiyso at programa para sa mga Pilipino, upang maihaon sila sa kahirapan at panlilinlang ng mga rebelde,” Acabal said. (I saw the work and mission of the Philippine Army, which is not only to fight but also to provide services and programs for Filipinos to lift them out of poverty and the deception of the rebels.)

Acabal passionately shares his experiences of how the rebel lifestyle led him into severe slavery and spiritual poverty. He admits to taking lives without valid reasons and stoking anger against the government, advocating for its downfall. However, upon discovering the truth about the government’s service, he was inspired to make a significant change and joined the Republic of the Philippines.

“Masaya po ako ngayon na naging katuwang at katulong na rin po ako na maipalaganap ang pangit na buhay ng rebelde, at mahalin ang Philippine Army,” Acabal said. (I am happy now that I have become a partner and helper in spreading the bad life of the rebels and in loving the Philippine Army.) (PIA5)