Finalize mechanics for integration of CPLA fighter

GAMU, Isabela — President Arroyo has given the Armed Forces until next month to submit recommendations on the integration of members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) into the regular force of the military, an Army general said yesterday.

Brig. General Rodolfo Alvarado, commanding general of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division, told a press briefing here that Mrs. Arroyo has directed Armed Forces’ officials to finalize the mechanics of the integration in accordance with the provisions of the 1987 peace agreement with the CPLA.

The integration of CPLA fighters, numbering about 1,200, into the Armed Forces’ regular force is mandated by Article 40 of Executive Order 220 which former President Corazon Aquino issued as an offshoot of the peace agreement.

The agreement was signed in 1987 on Mt. Data in Mt. Province by Mrs. Aquino, representing the government, and the late CPLA commander Conrado Balweg.

Alvarado said the implementation of the peace accord was deferred during the administrations of former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada due to more pressing national concerns.

"But President Arroyo, during a recent Armed Forces command conference at Malacañang, gave assurance that the 1987 peace agreement will be implemented to the letter," Alvarado said.

Alvarado’s division has operational jurisdiction over the Cordillera, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley provinces.

Alvarado, however, doubts whether all of the 1,200 CPLA members can be integrated into the Armed Forces’ regular force.

"But I’m sure that 264 of the 1,200 CPLA members will be integrated," he said.

Alvarado said those who may not be integrated have two options: join the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units or be given livelihood assistance.

Meanwhile, Alvarado denied reports that the CPLA has threatened to regroup and go underground if the Arroyo government fails to carry out the integration of its members.

Balweg organized the CPLA in the early 80s to fight for autonomy in the Cordilleras. His efforts paved the way for the setting up of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

But until now, Congress has yet to enact the region’s organic act because the Cordillerans rejected proposed organic acts in previous plebiscites. — With Artemio Dumlao