MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO — In a significant step toward sustainable peace and reintegration, 44 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) from Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13 are now actively participating in socio-economic and amnesty programs offered by the national government under the peace agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. led a dialogue with the former rebels — now called “Friends Rescued” or FRs — highlighting the administration’s commitment to help them rebuild their lives and become partners in nation-building.
“We are here to fulfill the promise of President Marcos Jr. and SAP Secretary Anton Lagdameo to uplift your living conditions,” said Galvez in a mix of Filipino and Visayan. “You are no longer just former rebels; you are now peace advocates.”
The dialogue, held in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 10th Infantry Division, is part of the Marcos administration’s Five-Point Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Agenda aimed at ensuring former combatants’ successful reintegration into civilian life.
Empowering Communities Through Livelihood
To support sustainable development in conflict-affected areas, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) announced that eight People’s Organizations (POs) formed by the FRs will receive ₱500,000 each under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.
The supported POs include:
- Bagong Laak Farmers Association (Davao de Oro)
- Makilala Integrated Peace Advocates Farmers Association (Davao del Sur)
- Naghiusa Farmers Association (Davao City)
- Kauban sa Kalinaw Ug Kalambuan Association (Davao Oriental)
- Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Agusan Sur (Agusan del Sur & Bukidnon)
- SunnyDay United Farmers Association (Quezon, Bukidnon)
- Pasidlak Farmers Association (San Fernando, Bukidnon)
- Gabay Peacebuilders Association (Arakan, North Cotabato)
Meanwhile, financial aid worth ₱2 million pledged by SAP Lagdameo through the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. (TADECO) and the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation Inc. (AOFF) will support four additional POs in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental.
The groups plan to launch various livelihood activities, including sari-sari stores, agrivet supplies, poultry raising, and banana and coconut trading.
Legal Relief and Amnesty
To help former rebels address legal challenges, four FRs received safe conduct passes from OPAPRU and the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) XI, led by Regional Prosecutor Atty. Janet Grace Dalisay-Fabrero. These passes protect the recipients while they process their amnesty applications.
“As we have emphasized, amnesty is the best policy,” Galvez said. “With it, you can fully transform and secure a better life.”
Two FRs, Jocy Papasin from Davao Oriental and Norma Capuyan from Makilala, North Cotabato, shared how government assistance helped them overcome stigma, legal struggles, and reintegration hurdles. Capuyan said it was the government’s sincerity in peacebuilding that convinced her to leave the armed struggle.
Local Government Support
Local government units are also stepping up their efforts to assist former rebels. Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang encouraged FRs to avail of medical and legal aid through programs like the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
In Davao del Norte, Governor Edwin Jubahib reported that the provincial government is providing legal counsel for FRs and housing for Ata Manobo families displaced by insurgency. Their partnership with OPAPRU includes livelihood initiatives such as vegetable and high-value crop farming, with the government acting as a ready market for the produce.
“We are truly thankful to the OPAPRU and Sec. Galvez,” Jubahib said. “We remain committed to helping our FRs build new lives and strengthening peace in our communities.”
As peacebuilding gains traction on the ground, FRs are no longer just reintegrated individuals — they are now seen as community leaders and vital partners in development, turning their once turbulent pasts into hopeful futures.