OPAPP, AFP set rehab program for Maute surrenderees

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to rehabilitate former Maute militants.

Col. Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the partnership aims to achieve a holistic approach in the healing process of those who were duped to join the Maute group.

“We are looking at the Basilan model, wherein Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered were given proper interventions,” he said.

Brawner said they would also tap reformed militants.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez said the OPAPP would help the military reduce the level of animosity between victims of the conflict and former militants.

“What we are looking at is the implementation of transitional justice and reconciliation,” Galvez said.

Galvez and other OPAPP personnel recently visited the Sarimanok evacuation center in Marawi to distribute relief goods to displaced residents. The activity is part of the annual program of the agency during the holy month of Ramadan.

Task Force Bangon Marawi chairman Eduardo del Rosario, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, Galvez and Brawner also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the soldiers who helped liberate Marawi from Maute militants.