𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫

MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) conducted a three-day Islamic Symposium and food assistance distribution from March 24 to 26, this city.

The initiative, which is part of OPAPRU’s Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) Program, aims to support the reintegration process of former violent extremists (FVEs) in their reintegration process through religious guidance, security assurances, and humanitarian assistance.

Held in municipalities throughout the province, the symposium gathered security forces, and religious leaders to promote reconciliation and stability in conflict-affected communities.

The program included discussions on peacebuilding, the role of faith in reintegration, and continued government support for individuals transitioning away from armed struggle.

Colonel Noel Ian Ignes, commander of Task Force Marawi, assured participants of the government’s commitment to their reintegration, reaffirming that “peace is a shared responsibility, and the government remains steadfast in supporting those who choose to rebuild their lives.”

Religious leaders echoed these messages, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among their people in sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., has reaffirmed the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable peace.

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to a nation strengthened by unity, progress, and shared prosperity,” Galvez stressed.

Reflecting on past conflicts, including the Marawi siege, Galvez highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and social inequities, as part of a long-term peace strategy.

“Returning to violence is not an option. Our focus must remain on healing and rebuilding communities,” he reiterated.

As part of the initiative, OPAPRU and local officials distributed Ramadan grocery packs to former combatants to aid them in their transition process.

The event reinforced the Marcos administration’s broader peace strategy of uplifting the lives of ex-fighters and transforming them into agents of peace and development.###