Agusan Norte advances peace agenda with ‘deradicalization’ training
By Nora L. Molde
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Peace advocates participate in the 7-day Deradicalization Training Program held at the Kagawasan 143 Peace and Development Center in Barangay Bancasi, Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, Philippine Army) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A major stride toward sustained peace and community stability was achieved in Agusan del Norte as 29 “peace advocates”, also called former rebels, completed the seven-day training on the Deradicalization Program.
The initiative was led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in partnership with the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), as part of the provincial government’s continuous effort to help peace advocates rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Throughout the week-long program held on November 6-12, at the Kagawasan 143 Peace and Development Center, Camp Romualdo C. Rubi in Barangay Bancasi, the peace advocates received spiritual and psychological support, values formation, counseling, vocational training, and community reintegration activities designed to equip them for a productive civilian life.
The sessions also introduced alternative perspectives on conflict resolution and provided tools for livelihood sustainability.
One of the graduates, Alyas Aloy, emphasized how crucial the training was in helping them embrace peace and change. “Dako kaayo’g tabang ang programa sa among pagbag-o. Nakatabang kini nga masabtan namo nga ang tinuod nga kalinaw magsugod sa among kaugalingon. Karun, andam nami motabang sa komunidad ug mahimong ehemplo nga posible ang pagbag-o.”
(The program greatly helped in our transformation. It taught us that real peace begins within ourselves. Now, we are ready to help our community and serve as examples that change is possible.)
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, in her message as guest of honor and speaker, expressed her full support for the peace advocates’ transformation journey.
She emphasized her hope for lasting peace. “As a mother of this province, I dream that our peace advocates return to normal life, free, empowered, and actively contributing to strengthening peace in our communities,” she said.
Gov. Amante added that reintegration is more than providing housing or livelihood; this is a program about restoring dignity, building resilience, and securing a peaceful future for each one of the peace advocates,” the governor added.
She also encouraged them to continue their journey forward, “We want you to stand strong, regain dignity, and live peacefully with your families. Your success is also the success of our communities.”
Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tabon, highlighted the Philippine Army’s commitment. “Your courage to choose peace inspires us. The PA will continue to stand with you as you rebuild your lives.”
Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, regional director of PNP Caraga, affirmed that the police force remains committed to supporting their reintegration, assuring them that the peace advocates’ return to the community is safe, supported, and respected.
The completion of the program demonstrates the strong commitment of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police in strengthening lasting peace, resilience, and inclusive development in the province and across the Caraga region.
The newly transformed peace advocates are set to return to their communities, bringing with them renewed hope and the promise of becoming living testimonies of peace and reconciliation. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from the 402nd Infantry Brigade PA)