CAMP SIONGCO , Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – As many as 455 former extremist groups who returned to the government have benefited from the program Children with a Golden Purpose to Stop Violent Extremism Now or AGILA-HAVEN.
This is what AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person, Mr. Roger Dionisio during the ceremonial presentation of the seven former violent extremists (FVEs) at the Headquarters of the 57th Infantry (Masikap) Battalion in Brgy. Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao on September 27, 2022.
Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu developed the said program to give FVEs the opportunity to start their new lives through financial and livelihood assistance from the provincial government.
Mayor Reynalberto Insular, on the other hand, supported the statement made by the governor’s representative, in which he was also happy with the seven’s decision to renounce the armed struggle.
According to the chief executive of South Upi, even his municipality, citizens and even himself were victims of the said group. “I’m happy that you can be with your families”, said Mayor Insular.
It is known that Lieutenant Colonel Guillermo Mabute, the Commanding Officer of 57IB presented the seven FVEs and their surrendered weapons to Major General Roy Galido, the Commander of the 6th Infantry (Army) Division and Joint Task Force Central.
Apart from the cash assistance and a bag of rice each received from the LGU of Upi and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, they also underwent psychological interventions and others.
Hon. also attended the said program. Wilfredo Ibañez, the vice mayor of Upi as the representative of Mayor Rona Christina Flores; Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO, G7; members of the police and others.
MGen called. They are pure victims of circumstance. He said, hurting others and using guns will not bring any good, whether it is a personal situation or a thought that wants to fight. The General also thanked the local government units and other stakeholders who are united in the goal of having a peaceful and prosperous Maguindanao.
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