THE 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB), in partnership with the municipal government of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur, has conducted profiling and validation of former rebels, now called "Friends Rescued" (FRs).
The whole-of-nation approach emphasizes the collaboration and coordinated efforts of all government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders to address the root causes of insurgency and provide essential services to conflict-affected areas.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is the primary body responsible for overseeing the implementation of E.O. 70. The task force is composed of various government agencies and is headed by the President.
Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas, Jr., 53IB commander, said the profiling and validation of FRs was conducted on Tuesday, August 12, at the function hall of the Tigbao Sangguniang Bayan building.
The goal of the activity was to ensure comprehensive documentation, identify specific needs, and connect FRs to reintegration assistance and essential government services.
Vargas highlighted the importance of the profiling and validation activity in promoting lasting peace and rebuilding lives.
“This initiative goes far beyond simple documentation. It is a meaningful step toward healing and rebuilding not just individual lives but entire communities. The participation of various government agencies reflects the spirit of E.O. 70: that peace is a shared responsibility,” Vargas said.
“We in the 53IB remain steadfast in our mission to support friends rescued as they reintegrate into society. By embracing them as partners in development, we reaffirm our belief that reconciliation is possible, and that through unity, we can create a conflict-free society,” he added.
During the activity, food packs were distributed, representing the government's commitment to the recovery and transformation of friends rescued into productive members of society. (SunStar Zamboanga)