27K ex-MILF, ABB fighters benefit from DSWD peace program

Philippine News Agency

March 8, 2026, 3:36 pm

MANILA — A total of 27,589 former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSAGs) have benefitted from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Peace and Development-Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) as part of the ongoing government efforts to strengthen peacebuilding in conflict-affected communities.

Among the PDBBM program beneficiaries were 25,759 former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Communist Party of the Philippines urban hit squad Alex Boncayao Brigade, and disbanded private armed groups in several regions.

Director Miramel Laxa, national program manager, said the PD-BBM is important as it promotes peacebuilding initiatives that bring inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven peace while helping FMNSAGs transition to productive civilian lives.

“Kung walang kapayapaan, walang progreso, walang development sa atin … balewala ang lahat ng ating infrastructures, programs di ba kung magulo, di ba mawawala rin kasi lahat ‘yan (If there is no peace, no progress, no development among us … all our infrastructures, programs are useless, right? If there is chaos, right? All of that will be lost), Laxa said over DZMM Teleradyo’s “Serbisyong DSWD for Every Juan” on Saturday.

Data from the program shows that out of the 32,315 target beneficiaries, 27,589 are under DSWD’s case management, which is the process of assessing their needs for appropriate services.

The implementation of the PDBBM program started in 2024 with pilot areas in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Cagayan de Oro in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and Region12 (Soccsksargen) in Koronadal, South Cotabato due to the large concentration of decommissioned combatants in these locations.

The program included expanding the initiative to cover other regions, including Region 3 (Central Luzon), Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Region 4-B (Mimaropa), Region 6 (Western Visayas), and the Negros Island Region.

Under the program, the government provides several forms of assistance designed to help FMNSAGs establish sustainable sources of income and rebuild stable lives with families and communities.

Among the primary support mechanisms is the Seed Capital Fund, which provides start-up capital for small businesses and livelihood projects; beneficiaries may also participate in cash-for-work activities linked to infrastructure projects in areas covered by the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, allowing participants to earn income while contributing to community development.

To ensure sustained reintegration, the program assigns a social worker to FMNSAGs to conduct monitoring and case management, where they will coordinate with partner government agencies including the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for additional skills training, employment opportunities, and livelihood assistance.

The initiative also integrates financial literacy sessions to help beneficiaries manage the assistance provided and strengthen economic stability.

The program also provides educational assistance to qualified beneficiaries and family members who require support in continuing schooling.

Laxa said beneficiaries will eventually undergo evaluation using the Social Welfare and Development Indicator, an assessment tool also used in the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to determine whether households have reached self-sufficiency. (PR)