KABACAN, North Cotabato — A total of 95 former members of local terrorist groups have taken a new step toward rebuilding their lives as they formally began technical-vocational training under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government’s reintegration initiative.
The group, composed of individuals who were previously affiliated with non-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) armed groups, officially entered the program on Monday, April 14, during an induction ceremony held in this town.
The initiative, part of BARMM’s Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit (TUGON) program, is spearheaded by the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and aims to equip former rebels with new livelihood skills as they transition back to mainstream society.
In a recorded keynote address, MILG Minister Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba underscored the importance of the initiative in providing meaningful opportunities for those who have chosen peace.
“You are not being given something for free. You are being empowered because you deserve to be part of this region’s rebuilding. You have earned your place in this future,” Dumama-Alba told the beneficiaries.
Atty. Marvin Mokamad of MILG’s Internal Affairs Services echoed the sentiment, encouraging the participants to embrace the opportunity with determination.
“Hindi po ibig sabihin na nadapa kayo ay hahayaan na lang kayo,” Mokamad reminded them, stressing the government’s commitment to offering second chances.
The technical-vocational training, which will cover a variety of livelihood modules, is delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD). The program offers free skills training under a vocational scholarship setup.
Maguindanao TESD Provincial Director Salehk Mangelen encouraged the beneficiaries to fully commit to the training, which he said is key to securing practical and sustainable livelihood skills.
“Pagbutihan ninyo sa training na ito upang mapakinabangan ninyo ang skills na makukuha niyo dito,” Mangelen advised, adding that participants will undergo a mandatory assessment to qualify for a National Certificate II upon completion.
The event was also attended by key military officials who have been supporting BARMM’s peace and development initiatives. Representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were BGEN Ricky Bunayog, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade; MAJ Lyndolph Ranola, Officer-in-Charge of the 34th Infantry Battalion; and CAPT Mamerto T. Fajardo, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion.
The TUGON program continues to serve as a bridge for former combatants to transition into peaceful, productive civilian life, reflecting BARMM’s broader push for sustainable peace and inclusive development in the region.