DSWD to help former rebels, boost peace bid

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it would introduce a more comprehensive case management system for former rebels to strengthen government peace initiatives in 2025

«We intend to pursue case management in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), and Region 12 (Soccsksargen: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) in January so that we can provide support to many former members of non-state armed groups and decommissioned combatants,» Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay said on Tuesday.

The new system, based on the agency's Buong Bansa Mapayapa (Whole Nation Peaceful) program, would deploy trained social workers to address the needs of former combatants and their families.

This collaborative approach, developed with input from various government agencies, aims to promote behavioral change through family development and social responsibility sessions.

«This is exclusive for Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, the Moro National Liberation Front, and former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army surrenderees, who will undergo case management within the three regions,» Tanjusay added, noting the initiative was crucial to government peace-building efforts.

«It will serve as an omnipresent monitoring mechanism for all necessary deliverables and support from the government for the successful reintegration of former rebels and non-state armed groups into mainstream society,» he said.