South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to strengthen its reintegration initiatives for Friends Rescued (FRs) and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs), emphasizing that these programs are vital to sustaining peace and order in the province.
Sonia L. Bautista, RSW, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, stressed that the government’s efforts are focused on ensuring that FRs and FVEs are effectively supported through structured programs that promote healing, recovery, and reintegration into society.
“Tinutukan natin ang mga programa para sa ating mga Friends Rescued (FRs) at Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) dahil dito nakasalalay ang peace and order ng ating probinsya,” Bautista said, highlighting the importance of continuous intervention and support.
She also clarified that the assistance provided to FRs is not special treatment, but rather part of the government’s inclusive social service mandate.
“Hindi espesyal na pagtrato ang mga programang ibinibigay sa ating mga Friends Rescued o FRs. Ito ang nakalaan at dapat iparamdam natin sa kanila na ang serbisyo at programa ng gobyerno ay abot-kamay para sa lahat,” she added.
According to Bautista, the province ensures that FRs and FVEs are included in mainstream government programs such as livelihood assistance, psychosocial support, education, skills training, and community-based interventions under reintegration frameworks.
Officials emphasized that these efforts aim not only to support individual transformation but also to strengthen community resilience and long-term peacebuilding in South Cotabato.
The provincial government continues to collaborate with national agencies and security sectors to ensure that reintegration programs remain effective, coordinated, and responsive to the needs of beneficiaries.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive governance, underscoring that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation, opportunity, and equal access to government services for all sectors of society.
