More relatives of former CPLA rebs joining Army

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Another batch of descendants of former members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) has been accepted to undergo extensive training for possible enlistment in the Armed Forces.

According to the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, the trainees – 57 males and 12 females – represent the last batch of children or nearest relatives of former CPLA rebels who will be integrated into the military.

The 5th ID, which is conducting the training at Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, said the trainees have been undergoing military exercises since last week after passing the regular screening process.

2Lt. Charmaine Leonero, of the division’s public affairs office, said the soldier-candidates will undergo six-month training on jungle warfare and marksmanship before they are enlisted as regular members of the Army.

Last September, 79 children and relatives of former CPLA members were officially recognized as organic members of the military following six months of extensive training,bringing the number to more than 400.

The integration is also part of President Aquino’s Executive Order 49, mandating the implementation of the closure agreement toward the CPLA’s disposition of its arms and forces and its transformation into a potent socio-economic partner of the government.

Aquino’s order was also an offshoot of the peace agreement forged by his mother, then President Corazon Aquino, and the CPLA in Bauko, Mt. Province in September 1986, which led to the cessation of hostilities between the military and the revolutionary group.

The CPLA broke away from the New People’s Army and formed its owned armed force led by Catholic priest-turned-rebel Conrado Balweg in the 1980s.