Regional Federation of Former Rebels (KADRE-MIMAROPA) formally launched

ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – Former rebels from Region 4B formally launched the Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde (KADRE) - MIMAROPA on July 12 at the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol. In a historic and heartfelt gathering on July 12, 2025, the Brotherhood of Former Rebels – MIMAROPA (KADRE-MIMAROPA) was officially launched at the Tamaraw Hall of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Capitol. Anchored on the theme “Reconciliations and New Beginnings,” the event marked a new chapter of unity, peace, and renewed hope for former rebels and the wider MIMAROPA region.

Photo Courtesy of 2nd CMO Battalion

KADRE MIMAROPA aims to become a support network for former rebels across the region – offering livelihood support, community-based peacebuilding, and a voice in policy making. 

“This is long overdue,” said Toto Marquez, KADRE-MIMAROPA Vice President, in an interview. “I’ve always wished that my former comrades could reunite, if only to check in on one another, how life turned out after leaving the armed struggle.

For Marquez, this is a chance to turn their life around. He recounted how he and his siblings were recruited into the communist movement under promises of land and justice.

“They told us we’d be given land, but that never happened. Some of my siblings ended up in jail. Our parents had to sell our farmland just to secure their release,” he said. “That’s when I realized violence offers no future. Real change cannot be achieved through violence.”

The event was led by former rebels from across the region, in partnership with government officials and representatives from the NTF-ELCAC, AFP, PNP, OPAPRU, DILG, and various sectors of society. It served as a powerful testament to the success of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency—not through conflict, but through reconciliation and collaboration.

In an exclusive interview with Kontra Kwento, Toto Marquez, who was elected as the Vice President of the newly established federation shared his personal testimony. 

“Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon na binigyan ako ng panibagong

buhay upang makapag-ambag muli ng pag-ibig sa bayan.” (“First of all, I thank the

Lord for giving me a new life so I could once again contribute love for my country.”)

“Ito ay napapanahon. Matagal ko nang naiisip na sana ay matipon ang mga dati kong

kasamahan upang magkamustahan man lang; upang malaman ang naging takbo ng

kanilang buhay matapos lisanin ang armadong pakikibaka.” (“This is long overdue.

I’ve always wished that my former comrades could reunite, if only to check in on one

another, how life turned out after leaving the armed struggle.”)

He went on to recount how his entire family was misled by false ideology. Five of them, siblings, joined the movement, lured by promises of land and social justice. But the reality, according to Marquez, was far from those promises.

“Ang pangako nila na bibigyan kami ng lupa, nauwi sa kawalan. Nahuli ang ilan sa

aking mga kapatid at nakulong. Ang mga magulang ko ang siyang nagdusa, ibinenta

pa nila ang aming lupang sinasaka upang matustusan ang kanilang paglaya.” (“They

promised us land, but it ended in loss. Some of my siblings were arrested and jailed. It

was our parents who bore the burden, they even had to sell our farmland just to pay for

their release.”)

“Ito ang naging dahilan kung bakit nilisan ko ang armadong pakikibaka, dahil wala

akong nakitang pag-asa roon. Ang tunay na pagbabago ay hindi madadala ng

dahas.” (“This became the turning point for me, I left the armed movement because I

found no hope in it. Real change cannot be achieved through violence.”)

KADRE-MIMAROPA: A Symbol of New Beginnings

KADRE-MIMAROPA was formed as a regional federation of former rebels from Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Its goal is to serve as a support network, a space for shared experiences, and a platform for reintegration, livelihood, and community-based peace initiatives.

The launch program included various highlights such as welcome remarks from KADRE leaders, an inspirational message from a representative of NTF-ELCAC, and a Testimony of Transformation from a former rebel from KADRE-Palawan.

In a speech made by Jerwin Castigador Sr., the elected president of KADRE-MIMAROPA, he said:

“Makasaysayang ang pagkakatatag ng KADRE-MIMAROPA ngayong July 12 sa

kadahilanan na magkakaroon na ng representasyon ang mga Former Rebels. Ito ay

upang katawanin ang kanilang pangangailangan sa lahat ng ahensya ng Pamahalaan

na may kaugnayan sa seguridad at kabuhayan. Sa kabilang banda ang KADRE-

MIMAROPA ay magiging katuwang ng Pamahalaan sa pagtataguyod Ng kapayapaan

sa rehiyon at sa buong bansa” (“The establishment of KADRE-MIMAROPA this July 12

is historic because former rebels will now have representation. This is to ensure their

needs are addressed by all government agencies related to security and livelihood.

On the other hand, KADRE-MIMAROPA will serve as a partner of the government in

promoting peace in the region and throughout the country.”)

The event also featured the official oath-taking of new officers and a Unity Pledge, followed by a closing message and photo documentation.

Photo Courtesy of 2nd CMO Battalion

A Call for Peace and Progress

Marquez emphasized that the establishment of KADRE-MIMAROPA is not only a symbol of reconciliation, but also a concrete step toward building a safer and more peaceful region:

“Ang pagbubuo ng pang-rehiyong pederasyon ay magbibigay ng puwang para mas

pagtibayin ang aming paninindigan na maging bahagi ng panawagan ng

kapayapaan, kabuhayan, at kaligtasan sa buong MIMAROPA.” (“The formation of this

regional federation will strengthen our commitment to be part of the call for peace,

livelihood, and safety throughout MIMAROPA.”)

Photo Courtesy of 2nd CMO Battalion

This gathering served as a reminder that peace is not just a possibility but a reality in the making, when former adversaries come together not as enemies, but as brothers and sisters united by a common goal: lasting peace and inclusive development.