KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Kapayapaang Angat Center (Halfway House), under the leadership of Governor Hon. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., officially conducted the Acceptance Ceremony for the 11th batch of Friends Rescued (FRs) and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs), marking another milestone in the province’s ongoing peace and reintegration efforts.
This batch includes twelve (12) Friends Rescued and seven (7) Former Violent Extremists, all voluntarily returning to peaceful and productive civilian lives.
The program was led by Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO), through the Kapayapaang Angat Center.
In his speech, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. emphasized the provincial government’s steadfast support for inclusive peace initiatives.
“Ang tunay na kapayapaan ay nakakamit kapag binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang bawat isa na magbago at makabalik sa lipunan bilang responsable at produktibong mamamayan,” Governor Tamayo said.
He further shared that, “Sa pamamagitan ng Kapayapaang Angat Center, pinatutunayan natin na ang pamahalaan ay hindi lamang tumutugon sa seguridad, kundi nagbibigay din ng pag-asa, direksyon, at pangmatagalang suporta para sa pagbabagong buhay.”
The event was further reinforced by an inspiring message from PD Hayd Ali S. Suwaib, Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), who encouraged the clients to remain committed to their journey toward peace, reconciliation, and reintegration into their communities.
The acceptance of the 11th batch reaffirms South Cotabato’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, ensuring that former members of conflict-affected groups are given meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute to lasting peace in the province.
Key partner agencies attended the event, such as PhilHealth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Mahintana Foundation, Inc., Department of Education – Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Also present were representatives from the 105th and 38th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army, the 6th Infantry Division, RIU-12, and the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office (SCPPO), demonstrating strong inter-agency collaboration in support of peacebuilding and reintegration.
The ceremony featured the formal presentation of the FRs and FVEs, led by LTC Al Victor C. Burkley, followed by the administration of the “Panunumpa ng Katapatan” officiated by PCPT Jacqueline Derla, symbolizing the clients’ renewed commitment to peace, unity, and lawful living.
