CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — On September 10, 2025, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division actively participated in the Kalinaw sa Amihanang Mindanaw Former Rebels (FR) & Peace Builders Summit held at Chali Resort and Conference Center, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.
EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, together with 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. attended the said activity in a display of unity and support for the ongoing peacebuilding initiatives and to reaffirm the Army’s commitment to sustaining stability in conflict-affected areas in the region.
The activity, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, was also attended by heads and representatives of local government units, civic society organizations, security forces, religious leaders, and 80 Former Rebels (FRs) from Bukidnon.
The said summit aimed to celebrate the transformative journey of Former Rebels (FRs), also known as Friends Rescued, and Former Violent Extremists (FVEs), recognize the effort of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committees and peace partners, and reaffirm the collective commitment to achieving just and lasting peace.
One of the highlights of the summit was the recitation of the Pledge of Commitment, led by Maj. Gen. Anayron, who guided Friends Rescued in reading the pledge. This symbolic act represented the FRs’ renewed commitment to abandon the armed struggle and live peacefully and productively as members of society.
In his message, the EMC Commander emphasized that the summit was more than just a gathering, describing it as a collective promise to build lasting peace in Mindanao.
“Someday, when people speak of Mindanao, I want them to think not of its struggles but of its strength. I want them to tell stories of former rebels becoming community leaders, of peace builders turning divisions into dialogue, and of our weapons, once made for war, becoming milestones of transformation. This summit is not just a celebration; it is a promise. A promise that together we will make peace the new normal,” the EMC Commander said.
