The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Peace Advocates Assembly convened for the first time on September 3, 2026, at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City, with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII reaffirming its support for peacebuilding, reintegration, and community development.
The assembly featured the ceremonial presentation of 16 “Friends Rescued,” the distribution of 25 Safe Conduct Passes from the Local Amnesty Board–Koronadal, and the election of officers of SPAND–Sultan Kudarat. DILG XII officials emphasized that reintegration must go beyond the return of former rebels to provide them with meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute to local development.
Key Takeaways
- The first Sultan Kudarat Provincial Peace Advocates Assembly was held on September 3, 2026, at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City
- 16 “Friends Rescued” were ceremonially presented during the assembly
- 25 Safe Conduct Passes from the Local Amnesty Board–Koronadal were distributed
- DILG XII reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding, reintegration, and community development
- SPAND (SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development) members convened for the assembly, with the election of its Sultan Kudarat officers
Table of Contents
- DILG XII Reaffirms Commitment to Peacebuilding in Sultan Kudarat
- 16 “Friends Rescued” Presented During the Assembly
- DILG XII: Reintegration Must Provide Meaningful Opportunities
- SPAND: A Platform for Former Rebels as Peace Advocates
- 25 Safe Conduct Passes Distributed During Assembly
- A Multi-Sectoral Coalition for Peace
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Editorial Accuracy Note
DILG XII Reaffirms Commitment to Peacebuilding in Sultan Kudarat
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XII reaffirmed its support for sustained peacebuilding, reintegration, and community development as members of the SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development (SPAND)–Sultan Kudarat convened for their first provincial assembly on September 3, 2026, at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City.
The assembly brought together government officials, security forces, peace advocates, and community stakeholders in a collective push to strengthen peacebuilding, reconciliation, unity, and sustainable development across the province.
Representing DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, CESO III, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) OIC-Chief Mel Roy B. Manait emphasized the department’s continuing commitment to working with local government units and partner agencies to support peace advocates and their families.
16 “Friends Rescued” Presented During the Assembly
One of the activities reported during the assembly was the ceremonial presentation of 16 “Friends Rescued” and the denunciation of their former affiliations. The DILG XII announcement refers to the 16 individuals as “Friends Rescued.” The announcement does not provide identifying information about them or specify their previous affiliations.
The DILG XII announcement also did not state whether the 16 “Friends Rescued” were among the recipients of the 25 Safe Conduct Passes distributed during the assembly.
DILG XII: Reintegration Must Provide Meaningful Opportunities
Representing DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay-Sero, LGMED OIC-Chief Mel Roy B. Manait emphasized that reintegration should go beyond the return of former rebels to mainstream society and provide them with meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives, participate in their communities, and contribute to local development.
“Hindi lamang pagbabalik sa komunidad, kundi pagkakaroon muli ng lugar, oportunidad, at dignidad sa loob ng komunidad,” Manait said.
He stressed that DILG XII will continue working with local government units and partner agencies to help connect peace advocates and their families to government services, livelihood opportunities, community participation, and responsive local programs.
Manait also highlighted the potential role of SPAND as a platform where members can raise concerns, connect with government agencies and LGUs, explore livelihood and other opportunities, and take an active part in the development of their communities.
“Ang layunin natin ay hindi na manatiling nakatuon sa kung sino kayo noon. Ang mas mahalaga ngayon ay kung sino kayo ngayon, at kung ano pa ang maaari ninyong maging bukas,” he added.
He likewise expressed the Department’s appreciation to the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, its local government units, SPAND, the peace and security sector, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other partners for their continuing efforts to sustain the gains of peace in the province.
SPAND: A Platform for Former Rebels as Peace Advocates
The SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development (SPAND) is an organization composed of former rebels in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region that seeks to strengthen its members’ role as peace advocates and development partners while supporting their continuing reintegration into their families and communities.
SPAND serves as one of the platforms bringing together peace advocates and stakeholders in the SOCCSKSARGEN region to promote peace, development, and community participation.
Among the highlights of the assembly was the election of officers of SPAND–Sultan Kudarat, with Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu in attendance.
25 Safe Conduct Passes Distributed During Assembly
In addition to the presentation of the 16 Friends Rescued, the assembly also featured the distribution of 25 Safe Conduct Passes from the Local Amnesty Board–Koronadal and the participants’ pledge of commitment to peace and nation-building, according to DILG XII.
The participants also took a pledge of commitment to peace and nation-building, according to DILG XII.
A Multi-Sectoral Coalition for Peace
The participation of government agencies, LGUs, the peace and security sector, and other stakeholders reflected the multi-sectoral composition of the assembly reported by DILG XII.
According to the DILG XII announcement, the assembly was attended by:
- Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu
- OPAPRU Peace Program Officer Jenet M. Cedeño, CPA
- Representatives from national government agencies and local government units
- Members of the peace and security sector
- Other partner stakeholders
Conclusion
DILG XII said it will continue working with local government units and partner agencies to help connect peace advocates and their families with government services, livelihood opportunities, community participation, and responsive local programs.
For more updates on peacebuilding and community development in Sultan Kudarat, follow official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and SultanKudarat.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Peace Advocates Assembly?
The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Peace Advocates Assembly was a gathering held on September 3, 2026, at the Sultan Kudarat Convention Center in Tacurong City. It brought together government officials, security forces, peace advocates, and community stakeholders to strengthen peacebuilding, reconciliation, and community reintegration in the province.
2. Who convened the assembly?
The assembly brought together members of SPAND–Sultan Kudarat, with DILG XII reporting its support for the gathering and its peacebuilding and reintegration objectives.
3. What is SPAND?
SPAND stands for SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development. It is an organization composed of former rebels in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region that seeks to strengthen its members’ role as peace advocates and development partners while supporting their continuing reintegration into their families and communities.
4. How many “Friends Rescued” were presented at the assembly?
A total of 16 “Friends Rescued” were ceremonially presented at the assembly, according to the DILG XII announcement.
5. What is a “Friend Rescued”?
DILG XII uses the term “Friends Rescued” for the 16 individuals ceremonially presented during the assembly. The supplied announcement does not provide a detailed definition of the term or identifying information about the individuals.
6. What is the role of DILG XII in peacebuilding?
DILG XII reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding, reintegration, and community development by working with local government units and partner agencies to connect peace advocates and their families to government services, livelihood opportunities, community participation, and responsive local programs.
7. What are Safe Conduct Passes?
DILG XII reported that 25 Safe Conduct Passes from the Local Amnesty Board–Koronadal were distributed during the assembly. The Facebook announcement does not explain the specific legal terms or scope of the passes.
8. Are the 16 “Friends Rescued” the same as the 25 Safe Conduct Pass recipients?
The DILG XII announcement does not state whether the 16 “Friends Rescued” were among the recipients of the 25 Safe Conduct Passes.
9. Who attended the assembly?
According to the DILG XII announcement, the assembly was attended by Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu, OPAPRU Peace Program Officer Jenet M. Cedeño, representatives from national government agencies and local government units, members of the peace and security sector, and other partner stakeholders.
10. What is the significance of the assembly for Sultan Kudarat?
The assembly marked an important step in the province’s continuing peacebuilding efforts, demonstrating the collective commitment of government agencies, security forces, peace advocates, and communities to sustain the gains of peace in Sultan Kudarat and support the reintegration of former rebels into society.
Editorial Accuracy Note: This article is based primarily on an announcement from DILG XII regarding the first Sultan Kudarat Provincial Peace Advocates Assembly held on September 3, 2026. DILG XII reported the ceremonial presentation of 16 “Friends Rescued,” distribution of 25 Safe Conduct Passes from the Local Amnesty Board–Koronadal, a pledge of commitment to peace and nation-building, and the election of SPAND–Sultan Kudarat officers.
The supplied announcement does not identify the 16 individuals or the 25 Safe Conduct Pass recipients and does not establish whether the two groups overlap. Additional details obtained from other reports should be separately attributed to those sources. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Department of the Interior and Local Government XII and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.
This article was published on SultanKudarat.com. For more updates on Sultan Kudarat and peacebuilding efforts, explore our coverage of local government, infrastructure, and community news.
