By Rhoda Grace B Saron
THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability by participating in the Kalinaw sa Amihanang Mindanaw Former Rebels & Peace Builders Summit at the Chali Resort and Conference Center in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City on Sept. 10.
EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante and 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. attended the event, which was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) X.
In his message, Bergante emphasized that the summit was more than just a gathering, describing it as a collective promise for a better future.
“Someday, when people speak of Mindanao, I want them to think not of its struggles but of its strength,” the commander said. “I want them to tell stories of former rebels becoming community leaders, of peace builders turning divisions into dialogue, and of our weapons, once made for war, becoming milestones of transformation. This summit is not just a celebration; it is a promise. A promise that together we will make peace the new normal.
The gathering brought together representatives from local government units, civic society organizations, security forces, religious leaders, and 80 former rebels (FRs) from Bukidnon.
The summit aimed to celebrate the transformative journeys of the Former Rebels—referred to as “Friends Rescued”—and Former Violent Extremists. It also served to recognize the efforts of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) committees and their peace partners, while renewing a collective commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.
A highlight of the event was the recitation of the pledge of commitment, led by Maj. Gen. Anayron.
