Former rebels transform into peace advocates
under the government’s deradicalization program
By
Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO,
Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del
Sur continues to strengthen peace and reintegration efforts as another batch of
former rebels (FRs) underwent the deradicalization process early last month
under the government’s Enhanced–Comprehensive Local Integration Program
(E-CLIP).
The
deradicalization training for FRs started on March 4 at the halfway house in
Barangay Dayo-an, Tago, marking the first batch of participants for this year.
Upon completing the program, the FRs will be formally recognized as peace
advocates, symbolizing their commitment to rebuilding their lives and contributing
to community development.
The
program is part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to addressing
insurgency and supporting individuals formerly associated with communist
terrorist groups (CTGs) as they transition back into peaceful and productive
civilian lives.
Spearheaded
by the provincial local government of Surigao del Sur, the initiative is
implemented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in
close partnership with stakeholders in the security and peace sectors.
Steady expansion of the program
The
deradicalization program in Surigao del Sur has steadily expanded over the past
two years, reflecting the provincial government’s sustained commitment to
peacebuilding and inclusive reintegration. Records from PSWDO showed that a
total of 148 FRs completed the deradicalization training processes in 2024.
This
gradual yet steady expansion underscores the provincial government’s dedication
to long-term peacebuilding initiatives, in alignment with the national
government’s agenda to address the root causes of insurgency, facilitate the
reintegration of former rebels into society, and support them in rebuilding
productive and meaningful lives.
Voices of transformation
Joel
Maca, a participant in the deradicalization program in 2024, reflected on how
the program transformed his life: “Dako kaayo og kausaban sa ako kinabuhi. Diha
mi nalamdagan, og dapat dili mag-apil-apil sa kalihukan. Diha ra pod namo
nahibal-an nga daghang programa ang atong gobyerno.”
(My
life has changed significantly. I realized that I should not get involved in
the movement, and I also learned that the government offers many programs to
support the people)
His
experience demonstrates how structured deradicalization efforts provide not
only material support but also psychological guidance, moral reflection, and
practical tools for reintegration into society.
Another
peace advocate, Zeresh Lou, who participated in the 2025 program, shared her
personal journey:
“Ang
kaniadto nga negatibo nako nga panglantaw sa gobyerno nawala kini, nahatagan
kog katin-awan, nga diay sauna kadtong mga negatibo nga panglantaw nako dili
diay to sya dapat nga mahimo nakong rason para musampa sa kalihukan…” (My
previously negative perception of the government has disappeared. I realized
that my past negative views should not have been a reason for me to join the
movement) he said.
“Tungod
usab kay kulang pa sa kahibalo, bata pa og kulang sa giya sa mga ginikanan, usa
sa mga factor nganag-contribute nga nadani ko pagsulod sa kalihukan” (Also,
lack of knowledge, being young, and insufficient parental guidance were factors
that contributed to my being drawn into the movement), the peace advocate
added.
Zeresh
Lou also shared a message for those still in the movement: “Dili pa ulahi ang tanan
para magbag-o. Hinoon, duna tay mga disappointment batok sa gobyerno kaniadto,
pero nakita usab nato nga ang gobyerno naa siyay kausaban. Naay mga panigkamot
unsaon nga matubag ang basic nga services para sa katawhan.”
(It
is not too late for anyone to change. While we have had disappointments with
the government in the past, we now see that the government is making efforts to
provide basic services to the people)
These
testimonies highlighted how the deradicalization program goes beyond material
support, fostering moral reflection, psychological guidance, and readiness for
productive reintegration, enabling former rebels to transition into
responsible, contributing members of society.
National agenda alignment
The
program aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s
peace and security agenda, emphasizing FRs’ deradicalization and reintegration
in a whole-of-nation approach involving the local government, security sector,
and social services, and a community-centered peacebuilding initiative that
restores dignity and promotes socio-economic participation.
Governor
Johnny Pimentel’s administration, together with Vice Governor Manuel Alameda,
now serving as acting governor, continues to demonstrate how sustained
implementation of the E-CLIP program supports national efforts to reduce
insurgency, strengthen social cohesion, and help former rebels rebuild
meaningful lives as productive citizens.
Through
initiatives like the deradicalization training process for FRs, Surigao del Sur
sets a national example of how targeted programs transform lives, empower peace
advocates, strengthen communities, and contribute to lasting peace in the
country. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
