MANILA, (PIA) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines is calling on former rebels to join the nation in addressing larger national challenges, including the West Philippine Sea dispute.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla announced during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum on Tuesday that the military has shifted its approach to those who have surrendered from terrorist groups.
Instead of labeling them “former rebels,” the AFP now refers to them as “friends returned.”
“We are enjoining these surrenderees to join us in this effort for us to go forth and move on to bigger challenges such as the West Philippine Sea issue,” Padilla said.
From January to August 2024, 1,169 of 1,367 neutralized communist terrorist group members voluntarily surrendered. Similarly, 124 of 176 neutralized local terrorist group members surrendered on their own.
Padilla emphasized the AFP’s focus on peace-building, community development and reintegration programs.
Some former insurgents have joined the AFP and Philippine National Police as part of their reintegration.
The military is also strengthening its naval and aerial capabilities, with emphasis on cybersecurity and communications assets for territorial defense.
“Our approach remains fair and pacific, focusing on de-escalation and resolution of disputes,” Padilla said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea.
Recently, the AFP conducted maritime exercises with forces from Australia, Canada and the United States within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
