Former Rebels in South Cotabato Receive Livelihood Support, Renew Hope for Peace

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — What once began as lives trapped in armed struggle is now slowly transforming into stories of recovery, livelihood, and renewed hope as former rebels in South Cotabato continue to receive support from the government through various reintegration and livelihood programs.

On May 4, 2026, former rebel organizations in South Cotabato received checks for their livelihood projects amounting to ₱1.2 million under the province’s Reinforced Services Taskforce (RST) Program.

Among the organizations benefiting from the assistance are groups composed of former rebels and peace advocates, including the local associations and chapter organizations under the SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development (SPAND).

The livelihood assistance forms part of the continuing efforts aimed at helping former rebels rebuild their lives through legal, peaceful, and productive means.

Since its launch in August 2021, South Cotabato’s RST Program has already registered 17 organizations under its livelihood component, with 15 projects successfully implemented across the province. These projects include agricultural production, food processing, fishing support, equipment assistance, and small enterprise development benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and grassroots organizations.

Barangay Affairs Chief Dennis Dignadice emphasized that the program’s success is proof that sustained support and proper coordination can genuinely uplift communities.

“Makikita natin na epektibo ang ating programa dahil matagumpay na naipatupad ang mga proyekto. Napapaunlad nila ang kanilang kabuhayan dahil walang sawang sumusuporta ang Probinsiya, lalo na si Gov. Tamayo,” Dignadice said.

For former rebels who once lived in fear, isolation, and uncertainty inside the armed movement, the assistance symbolizes something deeper than financial aid, it represents a second chance.

Norma Capuyan, President of MIPAFA and Deputy Secretary of SPAND, welcomed the development as a major step toward strengthening peace advocacy and community reintegration among former rebels in the region.

According to Capuyan, many former rebels only wanted an opportunity to live peacefully and provide for their families after years of conflict.

She stressed that programs such as livelihood support, project development training, and reintegration assistance are concrete proofs that government support continues even after surrender and reintegration.

Capuyan also emphasized that genuine peace is not achieved solely through military operations, but through sustained development, livelihood opportunities, and the restoration of dignity among former rebels who choose to return to mainstream society.

The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., together with agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), OPAPRU, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, continues to intensify reintegration efforts throughout the province.

Under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), former rebels continue to receive immediate assistance, reintegration aid, livelihood support, skills training, housing assistance, and project development seminars aimed at helping them transition into productive civilian life.

In March 2026, former rebels organized into Special Project Teams (SPTs) underwent project development and management training facilitated by OPAPRU to help sustain community-driven livelihood initiatives.

Meanwhile, infrastructure support such as the construction of a ₱5-million halfway house and housing assistance through the National Housing Authority further demonstrates the government’s long-term commitment to reintegration and peacebuilding.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also recently extended livelihood settlement grants to former rebels in Surallah, South Cotabato.

One beneficiary, identified only as “Mark,” shared how government assistance changed his outlook after returning to the fold of the law.

“Sukad mibalik ko sa sabakan sa gobyerno, kanunay ang pagtabang sa mga ahensya alang sa kabag-uhan sa among kinabuhi,” Mark said.

After receiving assistance, Mark decided to start a piggery business to support his family and sustain a peaceful life.

The continuing support for former rebels in South Cotabato highlights a growing reality across Mindanao: that peace is strengthened not only through security operations, but through opportunities, livelihood, dignity, and genuine community support.

As more former rebels choose the path of peace over armed struggle, organizations like MIPAFA and SPAND continue to stand as living proof that transformation is possible when communities, government agencies, and peace advocates work together toward reconciliation and development. *