271 ex-rebels end military training

271 ex-rebels end military training

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): At least 271 former guerrillas have completed a rigid six-month military training in the southern Philippines to become the first batch of rebels to be integrated into the armed forces, officials said yesterday.

Navy Commodore Adolf Borje said the former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters were expected to join the Philippine army and will eventually be deployed in the four- province Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao.

Borje, who was guest speaker at the graduation ceremony Saturday, urged the former rebels to spread goodwill and help in the country's development as peacekeepers.

The 271 were part of about 1,200 former MNLF guerrillas who began training under the military in late May in various armed forces headquarters across the Philippines.

Although the trainees have complained of poor living conditions and lack of facilities inside the marine camp in the town of Jolo, Sulu province, most of the graduates were happy they finished the program.