100 ex-CPLA kin rebels join military

GAMU, Isabela – At least 100 relatives of former rebels from the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) were admitted to the military after having passed the special training for soldiers.

The graduates were received into the force by Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, chief of the Northern Luzon Command, in a ceremony here in Camp Upi Monday.

Col. Loreto Magundayao, spokesman for the Army 5th Infantry Division, said the new soldiers were endorsed by the former rebels as part of the incentive under the integration program of the military.

“The new soldiers were given exclusive training in jungle warfare, which is useful in the terrain of the Cordilleras,” Magundayao said.

The CPLA was headed by former priest Conrado Balweg.