Kalinaw News: 70 “Friends Rescued” successfully completed 15-Day Deradicalization Program in Magpet

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Jun 28, 2021): 70 “Friends Rescued” successfully completed 15-Day Deradicalization Program in Magpet

ARAKAN, COTABATO – Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of North Cotabato, Province of Bukidnon and Army’s 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion under the operational control of 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade successfully accomplished and completed the conduct of 15-Day Deradicalization Program to 70 “Friends Rescued” or Former Rebels composed of 57 FRs from North Cotabato and 13 FRs from Bukidnon that commenced last June 12, 2021 and culminated earlier today, June 28, 2021 held at Headquarters ‘A’ Coy, 72IB, Brgy Pangao-an, North Cotabato.

The said training with the theme “Pagbag-o Ug Pagbalik sa Sabakan sa Gobyerno aron makab-ot ang Kahapsay og Kalinaw” was 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 was 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 focused 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 and Municipal Local Government Units 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 training.

One of the highlights of the said program were the distribution of 70 food packs from the PLGU and awarding of Financial Assistance worth 15,000 to 21 participants as part of the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 in addressing the issues, concerns and needs of the participants.

The closing program was graced by the presence of Hon. Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato; BGen Potenciano C Camba PA, Commander, 1002nd Bde; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB; personnel from the Office of the Governor; officers and troops of 72IB and 70 former rebels.

LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB expressed his utmost gratitude to everyone who made the said program possible and successful. He assured that the unit will continue to give its best effort, cooperation and support in facilitating the delivery of services and in maintaining the peace and order in North Cotabato.

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 closing the Program, Hon. Nancy A Catamco said in her message, “As we pursue our goal in ending the insurgency that our country has been experiencing for the last 52 years, we are hopeful and looking forward for your kind and benevolent cooperation for the realization of peace not only in the Province of North Cotabato, but in the whole country as well.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/70-friends-rescued-successfully-completed-15-day-deradicalization-program-in-magpet/