Bicol: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has initiated the Localized Peace Engagements (LPE) program to assist former rebels (FRs) in the Bicol Region with their reintegration into society. During a media briefing, Ma. Celin Mendoza, senior peace program officer of OPAPRU, highlighted the empowerment of local government units to lead peacebuilding and promote governance through the LPE program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program is structured to support peace and reconciliation through four key components: security for FRs and their families, socio-economic opportunities, confidence-building measures, and healing and reconciliation. These components aim to encompass all possible government interventions for former rebels.
Mendoza explained that the LPE plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of FRs in each province. In Bicol, the program is set to span three years, with assessments conducted afterward to evaluate the suitability of the programs and determine if any changes or enhancements are necessary.
The initial phase of the program involves introducing it to local government units, with a focus on extensive stakeholder engagement during the planning stage. OPAPRU provides initial funding and capacity-building training to local offices for effective engagement with the FRs.
Mendoza also mentioned that all governors in Bicol's six provinces have shown receptiveness to the program, recognizing the role of FRs in economic development and sustainable peace. OPAPRU has prioritized 59 provinces for LPE implementation, with 51 having crafted their transformation programs. Additionally, 33 provinces have refined their plans, and 25 have issued formal resolutions to support and adopt the programs.
In the Bicol Region, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, and Camarines Norte have refined their LPE plans, while Sorsogon and Masbate have begun implementation.
In parallel, Philip Listanico, peace program officer of the Local Amnesty Board-Albay, reported that 620 FRs have applied for amnesty in the Bicol Region. The Local Amnesty Board, consisting of various government agencies, reviews these applications to determine eligibility. Listanico urged remaining rebels to apply for the amnesty program, which is available until March 13, 2026.
