IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (December 4, 2025) — The 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) gathered 155 former rebels, also known as Friends Rescued (FRs), with partner agencies in early November for a summit in the municipality

The meeting focused on reintegration, expansion of livelihood support, and the call for remaining combatants to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

Lt. Col. Jeorge R. Jallorina, 8IB commander, said the summit marked improved coordination among stakeholders, and showed that former combatants can return to civilian life and pursue stable futures.

“This is a chance to listen, collaborate, and plan concrete steps forward. We want FRs to reintegrate fully and contribute to peaceful, thriving communities,” Jallorina said.

Project Development Officer Jose Regulus Ortega of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) urged FR groups, including Buklod Kapayapaan, Amihanang Mindanao Kauban sa Kalinaw, and Bukidnon Uma sa Kalambuan Association, Inc. (BUKAI), to strengthen their organizations to maintain peace gains.

He added that these groups support members in transitioning to civilian life and accessing programs under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which covers livelihood, education, and housing.

“One of OPAPRU’s priorities is strengthening your organizations because we all share the goal of lasting peace and progress,” Ortega said.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ellen T. Salumintao reaffirmed government support, citing Balay Kalinaw (House of Peace) as a central transition facility.

“Aduna kitay Balay Kalinaw. Gitukod kini alang gyud kaninyo. Hinaot nga makita ninyo kini isip timaan sa inyong pagbag-o,” she said.

(We have Balay Kalinaw—a place built for you. May you see it as a symbol of your new beginning.)

Lawyer Gean Yvish R. Ladesma, E-CLIP focal person of the Provincial Legal Office, encouraged FRs to choose a constructive path forward.

“Kamo ang buhing pruweba nga ang tinuod nga kusog dili makita sa armas, kundili sa kasingkasing nga andam magpasaylo ug mubarog sa pagbag-o,” Ladesma said.

(You are living proof that real strength is not found in weapons, but in a heart willing to forgive and stand firm in transformation.)

BUKAI President Warwin Del Rosario urged members to protect peace gains and continue developing their livelihoods.

Government agencies also presented their commitments. The Technical Vocational Academy will provide driving and welding skills. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will continue livelihood support, including supplies for masonry work.

TESDA will provide training to Upper Pulangi villages, in coordination with DepEd’s Alternative Learning System. The Philippine Statistics Authority will assist FRs in securing civil registry documents.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will extend education assistance and issue Certificates of Confirmation to eligible individuals.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 187 FRs are undergoing case management under its Peace and Development—Buong Bansa, Mapayapa Program.

Summit organizers said that the coordinated work among local governments, national agencies, and security sectors demonstrated strong support for FR reintegration and community stability.(Leanel Gebon D. Balacuit, GIP/PIA–10/Bukidnon)