Kalinaw News: North Cotabato opens 15-Day Deradicalization Program to “Friends Rescued”

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 12, 2021): North Cotabato opens 15-Day Deradicalization Program to “Friends Rescued”

ARAKAN, COTABATO – Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of North Cotabato and Army’s 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion under the operational control of 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade successfully opened the 15-Day Deradicalization Program to 65 “Friends Rescued” or Former Rebels composed of FRs from North Cotabato and Bukidnon held at Martinez Farm and Garden Resort that commenced earlier today, November 11, 2021 and will culminate on November 25, 2021.

The said program with the theme “Pagbag-o Ug Pagbalik sa Sabakan sa Gobyerno aron makab-ot ang Kahapsay og Kalinaw” will be facilitated by various Government and Non-Government Agencies, LGUs, IP Sector, PNP, members of Youth For Peace Movement “TALBOS” and troops of 72IB and 1002nd Bde . It will be steered thru series of lectures, activities (group and individual), discussions, workshops and consultations; deradicalization for them to be oriented from communist ideologies. It aims to remold their way of thinking and remove the hatred, negative perspective about the Government and its leaders and undo their criminal and revolutionary mindset. It also aims to educate the participants on social, economic, health and political awareness on the different plans and programs offered by the Government.

The said training will focus not only on lectures and discussions about the wrong ideologies perpetrated by the CTGs but moreso, in enhancing the spiritual aspect by conducting Bible Studies and Spiritual Enlightenment. This aims to bring them closer to the word of God and as their primary guide in giving strength and wisdom in their daily lives.

With the support and unending commitment of the Provincial, Municipal Local Government Units and other stakeholders within the unit’s Area of Operations, all necessary materials and financial support needed were provided particularly the meals, snacks, and transportation during the whole duration of the said program.

The opening program was graced by the presence of Hon. Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato highly represented by Hon. Krista Piñol-Solis, Board Member; BGen Potenciano C Camba PA, Commander, 1002nd Bde; PCOL Henry B Villar, PPDO, North Cotabato; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB; Ms. Johanna Grace Cedonio, Executive Vice Pres. JCI Duwaling; personnel from the Office of the Governor; members of YFPM North Cotabato; officers and troops of 72IB and 1002Bde; and 65 former rebels.

LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB expressed his utmost gratitude to the Provincial Government of North Cotabato for providing the necessary requirements to make the Deradicalization Program possible.

During his message, he said “We are very fortunate that our Provincial Government is very supportive in the implementation of EO70 especially to you, our brothers and sisters who were once fooled by the false ideologies and beliefs of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). Our Government wants nothing but to enhance your living conditions and provide your with better livelihood. Once again, Welcome to our 15-Day Deradicalization Program!”

Further, BGen Potenciano C Camba said, “More than five decades of fighting for your false ideologies should stop. Now is the time for all of you to go back to the Government and embrace the Government’s programs for you.” He also added, “We are all united with you in our quest for peace and order.”

As the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the opening program, Hon. Krista Piñol-Solis commended the people behind the success of the activity; the men and women in uniform.

“Our province is very fortunate because our soldiers are willing to risk their lives just to facilitate the delivery of services to the Cotabateños. We are now one step closer to our ultimate goal — that is to have a just and lasting peace here in North Cotabato! Para sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan, Padayon Ta!” She ended.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/north-cotabato-opens-15-day-deradicalization-program-to-friends-rescued/