A CEREMONY was held on Dec. 5, 2025, where 129 former rebels (FRs) were formally presented by the 72nd Infantry (GABAY) Battalion to Mayor Jeam Villasor and all local government employees.
The event, held in front of the Municipal Hall of Arakan, Cotabato, marked an opportunity for the FRs to return to their communities and start a new life, transitioning from violence to peace, unity, and development.
The program was executed under the supervision of the 72nd IB, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Municipality of Arakan, as part of the ongoing support for the reintegration of former rebels into society.
Among those who attended were Vice Mayor Girlie Tuble-Montales, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, department heads, including the MLGOO and MSWDO, and partner agencies like the PNP and BFP.
Following the ceremony, the FRs held a courtesy call with the mayor’s office and various local government departments to learn about programs they can avail of based on their capabilities. All of them also received food packs from the local government.
Thirty-three of the returnees were granted a safe conduct pass (SCP), which was first introduced on Nov. 17, 2025.
During the ceremony, the recipients were presented to Mayor Jeam Villasor in front of the Arakan police and government staff, formally ensuring their peaceful, free return to their respective towns to start a new life away from harm.
The SCP serves as official proof that a former rebel is safe from any legal or military liability while undergoing reintegration or applying for amnesty.
Beyond protection, the SCP opens doors for education, employment, and active community participation, symbolizing hope and a fresh start. However, the pass includes limitations, such as a prohibition on traveling abroad.
Deradicalization program
Twenty-six former rebels completed the deradicalization program, which ran from Nov. 22 to Dec. 4 of this year.
They received immediate assistance from the Provincial Government of Cotabato while awaiting other government programs under the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The program focuses on changing the perspective and ideology of former rebels, helping them confront the past, understand the effects of armed conflict, and develop a new outlook on life and community.
It prepares them for a legal and productive livelihood.
One program graduate, Alyas Tine, shared her sentiments and gratitude, highlighting the vulnerability of recruits:
“We are happy that the town of Arakan welcomed us, accepted us, and forgave us. Now, we also forgive you. We were truly victims of intense organizing in the mountains, because some of us had little education, making us easy targets for recruitment by the NPA. We were also easily recruited by other organizations, like those Partylists. This is one of the reasons we were recruited: because we didn’t finish school and our knowledge was limited, we were easily drawn into their propaganda.”
Message of peace and unity
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation and good public service, Villasor stressed that war is not the solution:
“The solution is not revolution. We will not win through war. If we wage war, we will still fight. I am sure we will all be at a loss, we will all lose.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Pablo Masa-ad, commanding officer of the 72nd IB, emphasized that the ceremony is clear proof of existing peace and positive change.
“I am thankful that you chose to coordinate with the Government and wish to return home to be with your families, especially since the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which symbolizes Peace, is near. We have no foreign enemies—we all want the same thing: Security, peace, and development.”
The officials’ messages served as a reminder that true success lies in unity, understanding, and trust.
Sustaining peace
The Mobile Community Sustainment Support Team (MCSST), having completed its mission in its target barangay, was authorized by the local government of Arakan to move to other barangays in need of assistance.
The MCSST’s role is to help identify local and social issues and bring them to the proper government agencies. It also aims to prevent the former rebels from returning to armed conflict through regular engagement, community work, and inter-agency collaboration.
