More than 200 communist rebels in Zamboanga peninsula came down from the hills and turned in their weapons, ending decades of armed struggle to help push peace initiatives in the province.
The mass surrender took place during a two-day Zamboanga Peninsula Peace Advocates Summit spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace. Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
Held Dec. 16 to 17, the summit aimed to ensure the successful transition of the former rebels, now referred to as “friends rescued,” into peaceful and productive members of their communities.
Hosted by the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, the summit with the theme, “Unity in diversity: Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities,” gathered over 200 FRs from the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.
In his remarks, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. emphasized the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in ensuring the successful reintegration of the FRs into mainstream society.
“It is vital that we help set p, register, and strengthen out FR associations until they can stand on their own,” Galvez told the local chief executives in attendance.
The summit was not only a capacity-building event but also was a reunion of brothers and sisters who once lost their way but found renewed hope to build a better future for themselves and their families. Rex Espiritu
The FRs participated in lectures on entrepreneurship and the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act, which are designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become productive and peaceful citizens.
Another highlight of the conference was the ceremonial issuance of 60 safe conduct passes (SCPs) to FRs who have applied for amnesty with the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).
In her message, Federation of Peace Advocates in Zamboanga Peninsula (FPAZP) director Jenah Granada, told her fellow FRs that as they come together during the summit, they acknowledge “the complexities of our past and the aspirations of our future.”
“We recognize that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a dynamic and ongoing process of building relationships, fostering understanding and promoting social cohesion,” Granada declared.
Now as peace advocates, they have formed people’s organizations in their respective communities who are using their experience, knowledge and voices in community-building and sustaining peace and security.
FPAZP president Reymark Pangasian called on his fellow FRs to be partners of the government in filling the gap in public service and ensure no one is left behind on the road to progress.
In her message, Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Divina Grace Yu reassured the FRs of the provincial government’s strong support to the income-generating project proposals submitted by the FRs during the summit.
For his part, Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Darel Uy committed to host the 2026 Zamboanga Peninsula Peace Advocates Summit.
“We are doubling our efforts to bring government services closer to your door steps, we are investing in infrastructure, health and education because we believe that the strongest defense against instability is a thriving community where no one is left behind,” Uy said.
In her message of support, Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Dulce Ann Hofer, who was represented by a provincial official, also pledged to continue to help the FRs uplift their lives.
“We pledge our continuous support through the following pillars of peace; interfaith and intercultural dialogue honoring the unique traditions of the tri-people, communities as equal threats in our social public, empowering of youth, ensuring that the next generation inherits the tools of mediation and the wisdom of empathy, sustain advocacy standing as you address the root causes of installing through education, economic opportunity, and grass root engagement,” Hofer said.
Galvez highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among stakeholders in assisting the FRs in their transformation, particularly in capacitating them to become peaceful and productive citizens.
“We request our regional government agencies in the Zamboanga Peninsula to support these proposals in order to turn them into tangible interventions that will have a major impact on the lives of our FRs,” he said.
“Indeed, through summits such as these, we are strengthening our communication channels for policy alignment, convergence planning, and problem solving that will enable us to push forward, build on and sustain the gains of peace throughout the country,” Galvez underscored.
The Zamboanga Peninsula Peace Advocates Summit was also supported by Joint Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) member-agencies.
