KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – A total of 555 Friends Rescued (FRs) have been successfully reintegrated into the community through interventions at the Kapayapaan Angat Center, formerly Half-Way House in Barangay Tinongcop, Tantangan, as part of the government’s continuing rehabilitation program.
This comprehensive deradicalization and reintegration program, designed to restore peace and order in former conflict areas, provides former rebels with the opportunity to rebuild their lives, supported by government-led initiatives and social programs.
The program has already shown its positive effects, with many FRs expressing a deeper sense of connection to the government and its services.
“We are overjoyed that our rescued friends now genuinely feel the presence and support of the government through our interventions,” E-clip Focal Person Atty. Lea May Orencio said,
She added that the program is not just about bringing them back, but guiding them towards a new path of peace and reintegration into society.
For many of these former rebels, leaving behind the armed struggle meant unlearning years of ideology instilled by militant groups.
According to Atty. Orencio, the primary goal of the program is to help them gradually abandon their former affiliations with insurgent groups, often formed in the remote mountains, and adopt new perspectives based on peace and stability.
Through a rigorous yet compassionate process, the Kapayapaan Angat Center guides participants in unlearning radical ideologies while equipping them with new skills and knowledge, empowering them to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.
One of the key aspects of the program is ensuring that all participants are truly former rebels.
“We carefully screen each individual to ensure that only those who genuinely want to return to the government and society are included in the program,” Orencio explained.
As the program continues, many former combatants are gradually reintegrating into society, developing stronger connections with the government and the services it provides. From health benefits to livelihood opportunities, the program serves as a vital bridge for those seeking a new beginning.
This initiative not only aims to restore peace but also to provide former rebels with the tools they need for a better future, contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of their communities. As the 555 former rebels embrace this new chapter, the government’s commitment to their reintegration is more evident than ever.
