The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Offices 9 Zamboanga Peninsula and 12-SOCCSKSARGEN, in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), conducted a profiling activity among the decommissioned Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.
Held at the Pag-Asa Covered Court in Barangay Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last Thursday (December 12), the activity was aimed at gathering the data of the disbanded PAGs to better understand their needs and provide targeted interventions to assist them in their reintegration into communities.
“This initiative is not just about documenting participants but about creating pathways for sustainable peace and development. Through accurate profiling and targeted assistance, we can address the socio-economic needs of former combatants while fostering trust and confidence in the government,” DSWD Asst. Secretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Arnel Garcia, who led the profiling activity, said.
A total of eight PAGs from Simunul and Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi participated in the activity.
Asst. Secretary Garcia, who is also the concurrent Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa – National Program Management Office (NPMO), stressed that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts at fostering security and reintegration in the region.
“This initiative reflects the strong partnership among government agencies and the local government unit (LGU) of Tawi-Tawi in advancing peace and development. It also underscores the critical role of the community and local leaders in achieving lasting peace in the province,” Asst. Secretary Garcia said.
