TACLOBAN CITY: The Philippine Army 802nd Infantry Brigade is set to engage with families, relatives, and loved ones of active New People’s Army (NPA) members to learn their Christmas wishes as part of its local peace initiative.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, operating in Leyte Island and parts of the Samar provinces, expressed confidence that many families wish for their loved ones involved in armed struggle to return home. The ‘Wish Upon a Star’ project will capture the Christmas wishes from families of active NPA combatants. These recorded messages will be disseminated by the local task force and shared widely until they reach the rebels.

“We will work it out to grant their Christmas wishes. We are calling our stakeholders to help us and be part of the program so they could be instruments in fulfilling their wishes,” Vestuir stated during a phone interview on Wednesday.

Currently, there are 42 active NPA rebels identified by
the four battalions under the 802nd Brigade across Leyte Island and parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. Vestuir expressed hope that these remaining combatants would surrender, aiming for peace during the Christmas season.

The 802nd Brigade has been connecting with friends and families of active rebels through the Friends Rescued Engagement through Their Families (FReE Families) program. Launched in late 2023 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the program seeks to counteract NPA propaganda and alleviate the danger and anxiety faced by the families of NPA members.

The initiative leverages the power of familial love to encourage active NPA members to abandon armed conflict and embrace a peaceful, normal life.