South cotabato: Military authorities in South Cotabato have presented 16 former rebels and former violent extremists to Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. at the provincial capitol as part of their reintegration process.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Erwin Felongco, commander of the 38th Infantry Battalion, and Col. Emil Rex Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade deputy commander, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the province during the ceremony. The former combatants included nine former communist rebels and seven former violent extremists.

Felongco stated, “This milestone is a testament to the continued trust of our people in the government’s sincerity to bring peace and development,” emphasizing the unit’s dedication to helping the former adversaries become productive citizens. The program also featured the formal turnover of surrendered firearms, which included M1 Garand rifles, M2 carbines, M653 rifles, improvised M16 rifles, homemade M79 grenade launchers, and 7.62mm rifles.

He further mentioned that the former rebels and extremists, who were operating in the hinterlands of South Cotabato, have been validated by the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee. They are now ready to undergo the De-radicalization and Reintegration Program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Meanwhile, Governor Tamayo expressed his full support for the initiative and assured the former rebels and extremists of the provincial government’s continuous assistance through livelihood packages, education, and skills training programs.