THE municipal government of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, in partnership with the 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), conducted a profiling and validation activity for the friends rescued (FR) in the municipality.
Now called FRs, they are former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who have laid down their arms and chosen the path of peace.
Alongside the profiling held on Tuesday, July 22, the 53IB said the beneficiaries have also received essential food packs as part of the support extended to assist them in reintegrating into society.
The 53IB said the joint initiative is part of the government's continuing efforts under Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end local communist armed conflict through convergence efforts, community empowerment, and inclusive development.
Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas Jr., 53IB commander, expressed his deep appreciation for the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by the various stakeholders involved in the program.
“On behalf of the 53IB, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Municipal Government of Bayog, under the leadership of Mayor Celso Matias, and to the DSWD for their unwavering dedication to supporting our Friends Rescued.” Vargas said.
He said their active participation in the endeavor reflects the true essence of the Whole-of-Nation Approach where peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of collaboration, compassion, and inclusive growth.
He urged all the stakeholders to continue working together to build a peaceful and resilient community where no one is left behind. (SunStar Zamboanga)