Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa-National Program Management Office (PDBBM-NPMO), reported significant gains in its peace and reintegration initiatives during the DSWD media forum on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Director Miramel Laxa of the DSWD's PDBBM-NPMO presented the program's 2025 accomplishments, highlighting the department's strengthened social case management for Former Members of Non-State Armed Groups (FMNSAGs). Laxa stated the program has reached 27,432 FMNSAGs or 84.88 percent of its target, including 24,912 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members.
Laxa emphasized that under the direction of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD seeks to ensure these ex-combatants receive proper assistance and are prevented from returning to their former armed groups. She noted that Secretary Gatchalian's instructions are to manage these former members of non-state armed groups thoroughly, ensuring continuous follow-up to better cater to their needs.
Laxa underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in these social case management efforts to ensure the successful reintegration of FMNSAGs. She indicated intensified referral pathways are crucial to providing additional government assistance beyond the DSWD's scope.
Based on the PDBBM database, Laxa reported that some FMNSAGs have already been integrated into the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with expectations for more to qualify under updated targeting systems. Additionally, under the MILF Normalization Program, the PDBBM served 16,039 beneficiaries in 2025, achieving 101.05 percent of its target through interventions like cash-for-work, seed capital fund, and educational assistance.
A total of PHP450,000 in grants were disbursed to former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), covering 71.4 percent of the 2025 target. Furthermore, all 511 targeted PAMANA Livelihood Program Associations (PLPAs) successfully received their seed capital fund under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.
Laxa mentioned ongoing assessments to extend support beyond current limits, focusing on strengthening household-level support for former rebels. She noted that currently, only assistance for one child is possible, but efforts are underway to seek additional funding sources.
Laxa also highlighted plans to expand the social case management service beyond Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Central Mindanao by institutionalizing the PAMANA program. Coverage is set to extend to the Cordilleras, Cagayan Valley, Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas, where the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) operates.
When questioned about difficulties in engaging with FMNSAGs, Laxa pointed to the strength of inter-agency collaboration and the DSWD's dedication to assisting former rebels. She remarked that the department's serious commitment to providing assistance has facilitated their efforts in various areas.
