30 former rebels finish seven-day deradicalization program in Butuan City

Thirty former rebels finished a seven-day deradicalization program on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bancasi, Butuan City, according to Mindanao Times.

The participants, called "Friends Rescued" (FRs), made up Batch 10 of the intervention, which ran from Oct. 23 to 29. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Agusan del Norte led the program with the 402nd Infantry "Stingers" Brigade, the 29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, the 23rd Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion and the Philippine National Police.

The program is meant to encourage positive behavioral change and help former combatants adopt a peaceful life as they prepare to rejoin their communities as productive members.

A female former combatant spoke for the group and thanked the government in Cebuano for its whole-of-nation approach. She described the program as a turning point that gave them a second chance. "We truly see the whole-of-nation approach giving us new hope," she said.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante said the provincial government would keep supporting former rebels over the long term as they move back into civilian life. "Our partnership from here on has no end," she said.

Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, deputy commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, thanked the provincial government. He said that despite its many other priorities, it had continued to provide livelihood programs and opportunities to the former rebels and their families.

The 29th Infantry Battalion said in a statement that it would keep working with local government units and other stakeholders to sustain peace gains and support development in Agusan del Norte.