(Photo courtesy of PIA)
BAGUIO CITY – At least 105 former rebels in Apayao received medical services, food assistance, agricultural supplies and other government support during a reintegration summit aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and return to their communities.
The assistance was distributed during the Second Rebels’ Reintegration and Empowerment Summit 2026, held on October 26 at Camp Allan in Barangay San Francisco, Luna, Apayao.
Carrying the theme “Handog Serbisyo, Alay sa Pagbabagong Buhay,” the event brought together government agencies, local officials and partner organizations to provide essential services and livelihood support to former insurgents.
Police Lt. Col. Dominador Mauricio, commander of the First Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company, said the initiative seeks to ensure that former rebels who have surrendered and returned to civilian life continue receiving government assistance, guidance and monitoring.
“Through the initiative of the First Apayao Provincial Mobile Force Company, we seek to assess their needs, provide access to basic government services, and support sustainable livelihood opportunities, in coordination with partner agencies and other government units,” Mauricio said.
He explained that the summit also served as an opportunity to assess the living conditions of former rebels, identify their immediate concerns and determine additional assistance needed to support their reintegration.
Among the services provided were medical consultations, distribution of food packs, agricultural inputs and other forms of assistance intended to improve their living conditions and livelihood opportunities.
Mauricio emphasized that sustained government intervention is essential to helping former rebels establish stable and productive lives while strengthening their relationships with local communities.
“The summit also demonstrates the government’s commitment to welcoming former rebels back into the communities and helping them establish a peaceful and productive civilian life by providing continued guidance, access to basic services, and opportunities for self-sufficiency,” he said.
The initiative also aims to prevent former insurgents from returning to armed conflict by addressing their socioeconomic needs and providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Authorities said the program forms part of broader peacebuilding efforts to promote community development, strengthen public safety and maintain lasting peace in Apayao.
Mauricio thanked the participating agencies, local government units and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful implementation of the activity.
Among the participating organizations were the Apayao provincial government, Office of the Vice Governor, Philippine Army’s 98th Infantry Battalion under the 5th Infantry Division, and Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center.
Other partners included the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the local governments of Pudtol, Santa Marcela and Flora.
Officials expressed hope that continued cooperation among government agencies and local communities would help former rebels achieve economic independence and contribute to peace and development in the province.
