The military in Negros Oriental is utilizing radio drama as a tool to convince communist rebels and their sympathizers to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.
The drama program titled “Sugilanon sa Kabukiran (Tale of the Mountains)” was produced by the Philippine Army 302nd Infantry Brigade and is being aired over a local radio station and is mirrored on their official Facebook page.
The first episode of “Sugilanon sa Kabukiran” was aired last December 16.
The storyline focuses on a character named Kyla who grew up in a family of insurgents.
She joined the armed movement upon her parents’ encouragement, but she later got disillusioned with the communist movement after her father was killed in an encounter with government troops.
The plot later ends up with Kyla embracing a peaceful life.
Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said they hope to reach people in the hinterlands.
“Ang NPA [New People’s Army], bawal cellphone niyan. Bawal [sila] sa social media. ‘Yung programs ng government hindi makarating sa kanila. Of course, ‘pag nandoon sila naba-blind kasi sila ‘yung propaganda ng kabila dahil ‘yun ang naririnig nila,” Escanillas said.
“But ang NPA mahilig makinig sa drama. Maraming purpose ito,” he added.
Awareness of government programs
Through Kyla’s story, listeners will learn about the various government programs available for rebel returnees.
“May mga ads siya about TESDA, DOLE, ECLIP,” he added.
ECLIP or Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Program is a package of government programs and grants to help surrendered NPA members rebuild their lives and their families when they return to their communities.
Major Jecey Batiller of the 302nd Brigade said they consulted with former rebels in weaving the narrative for the radio drama.
They also asked ex-rebels which radio stations they listen to, so they could identify which stations air the radio drama.
The brigade also consulted the local radio network for voice acting and in crafting the script.
Officers of the brigade’s Civil Military Operations and local disc jockeys voiced the drama actors. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)