Manila: Thirty-two former violent extremists have received cash assistance from the government as part of their reintegration into the mainstream during ceremonies held at the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade (601Bde) headquarters in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the 601Bde commander, led the distribution of financial aid, along with Sittie Janine Gamao from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPOS-BARMM). In a radio interview on Wednesday, Catu refrained from disclosing the exact amount given to the former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), now referred to by the Army as 'friends rescued,' but mentioned that it is sufficient to initiate a small income-generating project as a livelihood source.

Catu expressed his hope that more extremists would choose to lay down their firearms, reunite with their families, and embrace a peaceful life while taking advantage of the government's peace offers. He emphasized the significance of 'coordination and cooperation' among the military, government agencies, and the public to facilitate the reintegration of former rebel combatants into the mainstream.

Datu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the government assistance and pledged to live as a productive member of their community. 'We thank the government and the military for allowing us to reform and be with our family to live our normal lives,' he stated in a mobile phone interview on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, praised the support extended by MPOS-BARMM and commended the government troops for promoting peace and reconciliation in their areas of responsibility. 'I urge other extremists who are still out there to come forward and accept the government's peace offer,' Cagara said in a statement.