CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Thirty-two (32) Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) received financial assistance from the government as part of its continuing reintegration and peacebuilding program aimed at helping former members of armed groups rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
The distribution ceremony was held at the headquarters of the 601st Infantry Brigade, bringing together military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustaining peace through rehabilitation and community support.
Leading the activity was Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. He was joined by Major Saber G. Balogan, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer; Captain Rhoben Suva, CMO Officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion; First Lieutenant Luke Hans Gail M. De la Cruz, CMO Officer of the 38th Infantry Battalion; and Ms. Sittie Janine M. Gamao, Division Chief of MPOS-BARMM.
The financial assistance forms part of the government’s broader efforts to provide former combatants with opportunities to transition into peaceful civilian life through livelihood support, economic assistance, and social reintegration programs.
One of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government for giving them a second chance to start anew.
The former extremist said the assistance they received would help them secure a better future, support their families, and strengthen their resolve to live peacefully after leaving armed conflict behind.
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Catu underscored the importance of strong collaboration among government agencies and peace stakeholders in ensuring that former members of armed groups receive sustained assistance beyond their surrender.
He emphasized that successful reintegration not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes significantly to lasting peace, security, and development in conflict-affected communities.
The brigade commander expressed hope that the government’s continuing support would inspire more members of armed groups to abandon violence, return to the fold of the law, and take advantage of programs designed to help them build productive and peaceful lives.
Meanwhile, Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central) and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, commended the Ministry of Public Order and Safety-BARMM for its unwavering partnership with the military in advancing peace initiatives across Central Mindanao.
Cagara also recognized the dedicated efforts of the 90th Infantry Battalion, 38th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Battalion, and the 601st Infantry Brigade for their sustained operations and community engagement programs that have encouraged more former extremists to surrender and embrace peace.
The military leader likewise called on the remaining members of armed groups to lay down their weapons, return to their families, and seize the opportunities being offered by the government for a safer, more stable, and dignified future.
The assistance program reflects the government’s continuing whole-of-nation approach to ending armed conflict by combining security operations with rehabilitation, reconciliation, and socio-economic interventions, reinforcing efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability throughout the Bangsamoro region.