GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – 16 former rebels, also referred to as “friends rescued,” were formally reintegrated into mainstream society on December 18. The momentous occasion transpired during a send-off ceremony spearheaded by the 53rd Infantry Battalion at Camp Major David P. Sabido in this town.
The successful reintegration of these individuals was made possible through the unwavering dedication and support of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Legal Cooperation Cluster.
26-year-old Nelyn Ayas expressed her gratitude and commended the 53rd IB for their instrumental role in facilitating their return to society.
“Nalipay ko ug nagpasalamat sa 53rd IB nga mao gayud gihimong instrumento sa Ginoo sa pagtabang sa among [mga] kaso (I am happy and thankful to the 53rd IB that was made an instrument by the Lord to help with our [cases]),” Ayas said.
Much like Ayas, who overcame various legal challenges, these FRs now stand cleared, paving the way for their seamless return to normal life. This accomplishment resonates strongly with the government’s broader initiative to ensure a sustained, insurgency-free, and development-ready province.
The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)-9 contributed by providing starter toolkits to the FRs for their livelihood. Additionally, various agencies and the provincial government generously provided food packs and other essential groceries.
Nelyn Ayas received her court clearance from the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) presented to her by LTC Terence Ylanan (53rd IB), Col Eddie Pilapil (102nd Infantry Brigade, PA), and Ms. Shaihanie Navalta (PLO)
TESDA-9 gave starter toolkits to the friends rescued during the send-off ceremony and reintegration of friends rescued.
The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur and various partner agencies provided food packs and other essential groceries to the friends rescued.
Peter Cheng, the program manager for Western Mindanao from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), expressed his delight at the successful reintegration efforts.
“This is a big opportunity for us to celebrate with the 16 FRs reintegrating back into their community. Our support for this effort is part of our transformation program, which is to develop the FRs, from being rebels to civilians,” he said.
LTC Terence Ylanan gave his welcome message during the send-off ceremony and reintegration of friends rescued on December 18, 2023
Commander of the 53rd IB, LTC Terence Ylanan, highlighted the years of effort invested in this initiative.
“Tinuig ni siya nga effort ug ato gayud nakita ang iyahang positive result; nga nakabalik na sa ilahang tagsa-tagsa ka mga community ang mga friends rescued (This has been a continuous effort, and we have indeed witnessed its positive result, with the ‘friends rescued’ now returning to their respective communities),” Ylanan stated.
Ylanan also issued a call for those remaining in insurgent groups to reconsider their paths and return to the fold of mainstream society.
The event not only marks the triumph of the reintegration process but also symbolizes a collective step towards a more peaceful and united community. As these 16 individuals embark on their journey back into mainstream society, this accomplishment is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s overall stability and prosperity. (KSA/EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
