ALABEL, Sarangani – Ten former rebels (FRs) have completed the Provincial Government of Sarangani’s reformation and reintegration program at Balay Sarangan in a push for Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao’s call for lasting peace.
Held on July 22 in Barangay Maribulan, the ceremony featured the distribution of certificates of completion and P20,000 Social Protection Assistance to each graduate. This is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The graduates, coming from the municipalities of Kiamba, Maasim, and Alabel, underwent a month-long residential program from May 11 to June 11.
Balay Sarangan or the Halfway House, managed by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, provides temporary shelter, psychosocial support, values formation, spiritual enrichment, life skills training, and livelihood preparation to help FRs transition back into their families and communities.
In his message, Governor Pacquiao emphasized the provincial government’s support for the former rebels, whom he referred to as “Friends Returned” or “Friends Rescued,” as they rebuild their lives and reintegrate as productive members of society.
“Kung gusto mo mu-serbisyo sa probinsya, tagaan tamo og oportunidad,” Governor Pacquiao said, further stating that the provincial government is open to providing employment opportunities to the FRs who wish to work in public service as part of their reintegration.
E-CLIP Focal Person Lizette Lopez said the Halfway House program of the provincial government aims to help FRs become productive, self-reliant, and peace-loving members of society through coordinated social services and continued government support.
Vice Governor Danny Martinez, Board Member Arman Guili, Philippine National Police Provincial Director PCOL Jerone Orville Panganiban, 603rd Brigade Executive Officer COL Michael Angelo Candole, 1002nd Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander COL Jeffrey Villarosa, Kiamba ELCAC Focal Person Irish Joy Hingpit, and Al-Omer Pangolima of Maguindanao Development Foundation Inc., witnessed the ceremony and gave their messages of gratitude and encouragement to FRs who have now returned to the folds of law.
Representatives from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Sarangani Police Provincial Office, Provincial Government of Sarangani, local government units, and civil society organizations also graced the event.
In a testimony, one of the graduates expressed gratitude to the provincial government and its partners “sa ilang warm nga pag-welcome sa amo ug paghatag ug another opportunity to start a new life.” She also vowed allegiance to the government, affirming their commitment to peaceful living in their communities.
The graduation reflects the provincial government’s continuing efforts to build lasting peace, reconciliation, and inclusive development through comprehensive reintegration programs. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
