ARMM launches intervention program for ex-rebels

ISABELA CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) launched the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) in a fresh bid to combat terrorism and promote peace in five provinces under it.

PAVE is the regional government’s first model program in providing various interventions to former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who surrendered to the government, and their families. It will also cater to returnees from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said program is recognized by the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC), and will officially be part of the national government’s reintegration program dubbed as CLIP or Comprehensive Local Integration Program aimed at achieving permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with rebel groups.

He said the ARMM government is committed to do all the necessary measures to address violent extremism. The program’s core principles are to bridge social gaps, balance the military and non-military offensives, and attain justice. “Marami na tayong pinagdaanan pero walang sustainable na solution kaya inaasahan po natin na itong programa ay magiging daan at simula ng permanenteng kapayapaan dito sa ARMM,” he said.

Hataman said after processing procedures by the local government unit and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the surrendering Abu Sayyaf members will be endorsed to the ARMM government for psychosocial, economic, educational and spiritual interventions.

“And we will allow them to live as normal and productive citizens in their communities, and they will be the advocates for peace against violent extremism,” he said, adding that the cycle of violence must end.

The program seeks to prevent returnees from going back, provide an opportunity to start anew, encourage more ASGS to surrender, provide an avenue for healing, and increase grassroots support to countering violent extremism.

“Ang pinaka-goal naman talaga ng programang ito ay sumuko na lahat ng mga Abu Sayyaf, at naway dumating ang araw na wala ng mga rebelde sa buong rehiyon,” Hatama said.

The returnees will automatically be the recipients of the regional government’s banner programs – ARMM’S Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy and ARMM’S Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity.

“We made sure na lahat ng mga sumukong Abu Sayyaf na may mga pending cases ay hindi magiging benepisyaryo ng programang ito,” Hataman said.

Returnee Wiril Muril said: “Dati ang daming pangako sa amin, dati puro salita lang pero ngayon ramdam na mas magandang mabuhay nang payapa at mas nararamdaman na namin na handang tumulong ang gobyerno sa amin.”

Army Colonel Juvymax Uy, commander of the 104th Brigade based here, said Basilan will be “the model of the program that will help solve violent extremism in Mindanao.”

PAVE will also be launched in the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-tawi. There are 139 ASG returnees in Basilan; 61 in Sulu; and 23 in Tawi-tawi. Four BIFF members also surrendered in the province of Maguindanao. Lanao del Sur is also part of the ARMM.

The regional government has called on members of the rebel groups to peacefully surrender and take advantage of the government’s offer for them to start a new life. Child soldier bikes to

new life Tarik happily rode a bicycle during the launching of the PAVE. He was given a bicycle after he and 138 other Abu Sayyaf members attended the event at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion. Tarik is only 10 years old.

The youngest among eight siblings, Tarik said all of them were members of the ASG. Three of his siblings were killed while fighting government forces, two (including him) surrendered, while the rest are still in hiding.

He said his parents were killed by government forces. “Maliit pa ako non. Dumedede pa ako noon kaya hindi ko maalala,” he said.

According to his grandfather, the boy’s pregnant mother had just taken a bath when shot. “Kakatapos lang niyang maligo, bigla siyang binaril. Napagkamalan silang members ng Abu Sayyaf”, he said.

He and his siblings joined the ASG last year, when his grandmother passed away due to illness. He said they agreed to join the group because they were promised free food.

Tarik, on the other hand, found a chance to avenge the death of his parents. “Galit ako sa gobyerno kasi sila ang pumatay sa mga magulang ko,” he said.

Reminiscing the past, Tarik said life as a bandit was hard which prompted him to join his leader when they surrendered to the government last year.

“Sayol (vegetables) at dried fish palagi ang pagkain namin doon sa bundok,” he said.

Hataman said Tarik and others now have a chance to new life. “Iba’t ibang dahilan ang kanilang pagsama sa Abu Sayyaf. Dahil iba’t ibang dahilan ang kanilang pagsama, gumawa din tayo ng iba’t ibang programa at alituntunin ang dapat iakay sa kanila. Ito ay oportunidad para sa bagong buhay,” he said.

Tarik now believes in peace. He also believes that children should enjoy the company of other children and play freely—without the fear of being killed.

Hataman said Tarik can go back to school with the help of PAVE.

Tarik, however, could still not say what his dreams are. All he knows is that he will no longer have to be in hiding. He said he wants to pursue Islamic Studies.