‘Friends Rescued’ embrace peace, rebuild lives through whole-of-nation approach
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Thirty individuals in Agusan del Norte have renewed hope and opportunities to rebuild their lives as they complete a government-led intervention that promotes peaceful living, positive behavioral change, and successful reintegration into their communities.
The 30 individuals, known as friends rescued or former rebels (FRs), completed Batch 10 of the seven-day Deradicalization activity conducted from October 23 to 29 at the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bancasi, Butuan City.
The initiative reinforces President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to inclusive, lasting peace through a whole-of-nation approach that recognizes that addressing insurgency requires more than security operations. It calls for coordinated government action, strengthened community participation, social services, and sustainable livelihood opportunities that address the underlying factors contributing to armed conflict.
For participants, the program offers an opportunity to start anew and experience the government’s continued commitment to supporting those who choose the path of peace.
One of the Friends Rescued expressed heartfelt gratitude for the acceptance and assistance they received, emphasizing that the intervention made them feel included and valued as members of society.
“I sincerely thank the government for its unwavering support and for accepting us as Friends Rescued. Through this program, we have felt that the government extends assistance to everyone without discrimination. We have witnessed how the whole-of-nation approach gives us renewed hope and the opportunity to build a better future,” she said.
Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the importance of sustained cooperation and unity among government agencies and partners in helping the Friends Rescued rebuild their lives and become productive members of their respective communities.
Amante reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership and support for the program, emphasizing that helping individuals and families move toward a peaceful and productive life remains a shared responsibility.
“Our partnership will continue. Whatever challenges our government may encounter, through difficult and prosperous times, we will remain committed to helping one another and strengthening our unity,” Gov. Amante said.
Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, deputy brigade commander of the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade, thanked the provincial government for prioritizing the needs of the rescued friends and giving them opportunities to improve their livelihoods despite the many responsibilities of local governance.
He emphasized that sustained government support is vital in helping participants establish better lives for themselves and their families.
“I am deeply grateful to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte. Despite the province’s many priorities and responsibilities, it has not forgotten our Friends Rescued. Through its programs and initiatives, it continues to provide them with opportunities to improve their livelihoods and build a better future for themselves and their families,” Canatoy said.
The 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion likewise reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies and local stakeholders to sustain peace and security gains and advance inclusive development in the province.
The completion of Batch 10 highlights the importance of a sustained, coordinated, and people-centered government response that complements peace and security initiatives with social welfare assistance, livelihood interventions, and community-based support.
Through the whole-of-nation approach, the provincial government and its partners continue to show that lasting peace is measured not only by the absence of armed conflict, but also by the opportunities individuals and families have to rebuild their lives, achieve economic stability, and actively contribute to their communities.
Ultimately, every individual who chooses peace and every family given the opportunity to start anew helps build safer, more resilient, and progressive communities in Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from 29IB PA)