Former military general turned Presidential Peace Adviser, Carlito Galvez Jr., is now focused on persuading insurgents to abandon armed conflict and reintegrate into mainstream society through dialogue and support.

Galvez, who leads the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), recently engaged in discussions with 44 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Mawab, Davao de Oro, in collaboration with the 10th Infantry Division.

The former rebels came from various regions including Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

Galvez's approach involves 'peace conversations' based on the Marcos administration's five-point Peace Agenda, aiming to help ex-rebels reintegrate as peaceful and productive members of society.

He assured the former rebels, now referred to as 'friends rescued' (FRs), that the government will assist in rebuilding their lives and creating a better future for them and their families.

Galvez emphasized that FRs are now considered 'peace advocates' and partners of the government in promoting peace, mutual respect, and reconciliation in their communities.

Norma Capuyan, one of the FRs from Makilala, North Cotabato, cited her age and desire to reunite with her family as reasons for leaving the communist movement. She praised the government's sincerity in involving FRs in the peacebuilding process.

As part of the reintegration efforts, the government will provide financial support to eight People's Organizations (POs) through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program. This funding will enable the POs to launch livelihood projects such as grocery stores, agriculture, poultry production, and merchandise sales.