As part of its commitment to sustain the gains of the peace process in the Bangsamoro region, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) is conducting a peacebuilding training for 131 former local insurgents of Lanao del Sur province, September 12-14, 2023.
The three-day peacebuilding activity aims to apprise the former insurgents of peacebuilding concepts and capacitate them to build a culture of peace in their respective communities.
MPOS Peace Program Officer Sittie Janine Gamao said they started the peacebuilding training initiative in 2021 in the provinces of Sulu and Maguindanao benefiting 91 returnees under the Abu Sayaff group and 293 former insurgents from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
"At ngayon taon ay sisimulan namin sa Lanao del Sur sa tulong ng 103rd Infantry Brigade (and this year we will commence it in Lanao del Sur with the help of the 103rd Infantry Brigade)," she said citing the importance of collaboration to ensure the success of the program.
The training also seeks to provide an opportunity for the former insurgents to share their personal narratives in a safe environment and get their commitment to continue the work for peace.
"Walang substitute para sa kapayapaan. Yung ini-enjoy ninyo ngayon na peace of mind hindi yan mabibili kaya huwag na natin bitawan ito. Ituloy na natin ang kapayapaan na minimithi natin (there is no substitute for peace. The peace of mind you enjoy now cannot be bought, so let's not let go of it. Let's pursue the peace we dream of)," 103rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Billy Dela Rosa told the participants.
Dr. Haroro Ingram, a visiting expert from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), commended the former insurgents for taking steps not only to improve their lives but also to contribute to a stable society for their families and the next generations.
He said the road to lasting peace takes not just the whole-of-government approach but also a whole-of-society approach.
Ingram stated that they should always learn from the past, take responsibility, and humble themselves to do better next time is also crucial.
He emphasized that peacebuilding must be done together because it is a two-way street leading to mutual benefits and ultimately a peaceful and prosperous society.(APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
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