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)