Kalinaw News: EO-70 or Whole of Nation Approach benefits “Friends Rescued” in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2021): EO-70 or Whole of Nation Approach benefits “Friends Rescued” in North Cotabato



ARAKAN, COTABATO – The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of North Cotabato in collaboration with various Government and Non-Government Agencies and Army’s 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion and 39th Infantry “Smash’em” Battalion under the operational control of 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade successfully accomplished and completed the conduct of 15-Day Deradicalization Program to 67 “Friends Rescued” or Former Rebels held at RC Martinez Farm and Garden Resort, Brgy Mua-an, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato that commenced on November 11, 2021 and culminated on November 29, 2021.

The said program with the theme “HAPPY HOME – Pagbalik sa Gobyerno Ug Pamilya” 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 a 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.

Thus, the result of the strong collaboration, commitment and dedication of the Government to extend assistance and bring its services closer to our comrades who were once fooled by the false ideologies and beliefs of the terrorist groups made into reality thru the Deradicalization Program. It addresses social healing and unity in achieving the higher objective of having just and lasting peace. Through this program, Former Rebels can be reintegrated back into their respective communities with their families as they embrace the peace initiative of our Government to start over their lives and have a better one.

The said training focused not only on lectures and discussions about the wrong ideologies perpetrated by the CTGs but more so, in enhancing their 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 was the distribution of 67 food packs from the DSWD, turn over of carinderia package to one (1) participant and awarding of Financial Assistance worth 15,000 pesos each to 33 participants with a total of 495,000 pesos 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; Dir Eduardo T Marquez, Regional Director, NICA XII; Engr Zenaida M Cabiles, Regional Manager, NHA XII; Mr Ryan Balanza, EO-70 Focal Person; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB; LTC Ezra T Balagtey, Commanding Officer, 39IB; PLT Marion Vallejo, Rep from PNP; personnel from the Office of the Governor; officers and troops of 72IB, 39IB, 1002Bde and 67 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 protect the peace and order in North Cotabato and facilitate the delivery of services, especially to the Former Rebels.

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 and peace initiatives 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 pledged her commitment to support the fight against insurgency.

“We’ve come this far so there is no turning back. Your Government loves you and will do everything for all of you. We are very grateful that you have chosen the right path. Now that we are at the peak of success, rest assured that we will continue to address your needs until we achieve our ultimate goal; that is to have a just and lasting peace.” She ended.

[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]

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