FORMER New People’s Army (NPA) members, now referred to as friends rescued (FRs), in Zamboanga del Sur have undergone profiling and validation in line with the government’s continuous peace and reintegration program.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, led the activity on Wednesday, June 18, in coordination with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB).
Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Vargas Jr., 53IB commander, said the primary purpose of the activity was to thoroughly assess the socio-economic status and needs of the FRs, enabling the government to deliver targeted assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
“The journey toward lasting peace does not end with the silencing of guns. It continues with the healing and reintegration of those who once stood on the other side,” Vargas said.
“Through the activity, we ensure that our Friends Rescued are not only seen but also heard and supported as they transition back to civilian life,” he added.
Those who underwent profiling and validation were former NPA rebels who surrendered through the campaign launched by the 53IB in Zamboanga del Sur.
Vargas said the active involvement of the 53IB highlights the Philippine Army's unwavering commitment to the whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding and development.
He added that the Army remains a steadfast partner in promoting reconciliation, enhancing public trust, and advancing the long-term progress of the province of Zamboanga del Sur. (SunStar Zamboanga)