Far South FRs hold 1st Regional gab, chart next steps to peace in Soccsksargen

TAMPAKAN, SOUTH COTABATO—Seventy-eight former rebels who once fought under the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) reunited here for the inaugural regional congress of SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development (SPAND), a federation of ex-rebels turned peace advocates in Far Southern Mindanao, May 29.

Delegates from the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, along with General Santos City, convened at Bischick Coconut Farm in Brgy. Poblcion to craft their two-year transformation program, elect new officers, and map out livelihood, scholarship, and legal support initiatives aimed at facilitating their return to mainstream society.

The event drew a high-profile roster of officials who pledged continuing support for the fledgling federation. Cesar De Mesa, executive director for Local Conflict Transformation at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), administered the oath of office to the new board. He was joined by Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapina, OPAPRU’s Mindanao field head, Police Brig.-Gen. Arnold P. Ardiente of PRO-12, and senior Army officers from the 6th Infantry Division, the 39th Infantry Battalion, and the 1002nd Brigade. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. sent legal officer Atty. Leah Orencio, while Provincial Police Chief Col. Samuel Cadungon also attended.

During the morning open forum, resource persons from government agencies and fellow former rebels addressed the issues and concerns raised by the participants.

In the afternoon, delegates were briefed on SPAND’s 2023–2025 gains. Interim president Noel Legaspi then unveiled the new national federation, Buklod Kapayapaan, to which he was elected as president, rallying former rebels around a unified peace agenda.

The congress also elected a new set of officers for the 2025-2027 term, with Billy “Borjak” Beraña Jr. chosen as president. In a brief ceremony, De Mesa administered the oath of office.

SPAND’s inaugural congress is both a graduation and a beginning, a proof that reintegration is tangible and that former rebels can help write a different chapter for Mindanao—this time, without guns.

Published 01 June 2025