MAWAB, Davao de Oro — Some 232 former rebels (FR), now called “friends rescued,” surrendered their firearms and officially returned to the folds of the law in ceremonies held here on Thursday, February 6.
The turn-over and reintegration ceremonies for the FRs, which was facilitated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10TH Infantry “Agila” Division, marked a major step for the ex-rebels in their journey towards becoming peaceful and productive members of society.
In his message of support, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, described the occasion as a “historic achievement,” for the Davao Region.
“Today, as we witness the formal surrender of 232 former CTG members, we are reminded that true victory is just about eliminating threats; it is about transforming lives,” Jubahib said.
Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga lauded the FRs for their decision to abandon armed struggle.
“We don’t want a recurrence of what happened in the past,” Gonzaga said, as she thanked the security sector for its peacekeeping efforts in the province and throughout the region.
According to Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr., Davao de Oro’s hard-earned peace has opened countless opportunities for social and economic growth.
“These achievements are proof that peace brings about progress. While we celebrate these wins, we [must] understand the responsibility that comes with it. Peace is fragile. And sustaining it requires continuous efforts,” Uy stressed.
Representing Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez at the event, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Executive Director Cesar De Mesa emphasized the importance of the occasion, particularly for the 232 FRs who returned to the folds of the law.
“Ito po ang mensahe namin sa inyo: huwag kayong matakot sa pagbabago. Bagkos, yakapin ninyo ito. Sapagkat ang pagbabagong ito ay hudyat ng isang bagong simula para sa inyo at inyong pamilya,” he said.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Leo Magno reaffirmed President Marcos Jr’s commitment to support the FRs in their journey towards building a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“Kung anuman ang pinanggalingan ninyo, kasama ninyo kami sa gobyerno sa pagpapatuloy ng mas mapayapa, mas progresibo at mas maayos na buhay para sa inyong lahat,” he said.
In his keynote address, Lagdameo underscored the significance of the event for the FRs and communities as a whole.
“Hindi lang natin ipinagdiriwang ang isang tagumpay, kundi binibigyang halaga rin natin ang pagbabago sa buhay ng bawat isa at ng ating komunidad,” he said.
“Ngayong araw, saksi tayo sa isang napakahalagang tagumpay. Ang mga nasa harapan natin ngayon, na dating kabilang sa isang armadong grupo, ay pinili ang kapayapaan at muling pagbalik sa ating lipunan,” Lagdameo declared. (OPAPRU)
