“The weight of war, it never leaves you,” confessed 60-year-old former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatant Lino Camanggo from Mati City, his voice filled with pent up emotion. From the pronounced lines on his face, one could make out a map etched with past hardships.

“Being a combatant was difficult,” he recalled, speaking in Tagalog. “But with Allah’s help, we persevered. Life was hard, both financially and in terms of education. But we followed our leaders, and now the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is a reality.”

Camanggo recognizes the importance of the Bangsamooro peace process and how it has transformed the lives of former combatants like him.

“The decommissioning resulted from the CAB’s Normalization Agreement,” he explained. “We understood it as an order, not a personal decision because we believe it will benefit the MILF.”

As part of the Normalization Agreement, the decommissioned MILF combatants are provided with a package of socio-economic programs. Among these is the Values Transformation Training (VTT) program, which helps former combatants like Camanngo transition to mainstream society and gives them a chance to heal and to rebuild their lives.

The VTT is a three-day intensive workshop focused on Islamic values, fostering a positive outlook and equipping participants with the skills necessary to reintegrate into civilian life. Over 1,564 decommissioned combatants and their families have attended this training so far. The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) conducts the VTT.

Camanggo was among those who underwent the latest batch of VTT held in Mati, Davao Oriental on 29 April – 2 May 2024.

A Second Chance at Life

For Camanggo, the program’s impact is undeniable. “The cash assistance we received helped a lot,” he shared. “It wasn’t a substantial sum,” he admitted, a hint of relief softening his features, “but it made a world of difference.”

The financial assistance, amounting to P100,000 for each decommissioned combatant, has allowed him to finally secure ownership of their land and purchase smartphones for his children, who were then in high school.

“My eldest just graduated with a degree in Development Communication,” he said with a wide smile. “He still uses the phone I bought him. Seeing him succeed fills me with a profound sense of satisfaction.”

Building a Lasting Peace, Together

Camanggo’s story of hope and transformation extends far beyond his personal achievements. He, along with many other VTT participants have emphasized the importance of helping to ensure peace in their communities.

“We’ve experienced what life without conflict is like,” he said. “For us, for our children who dream of a good education, the government needs to be serious and implement the agreements outlined in the CAB. Going back to the past would be devastating. We must all support the peace process.”

According to Camanggo, the program has helped him and his comrades develop patience and resilience amidst the daily challenges of life.

“We don’t engage in provocative actions anymore, even when there are delays in receiving support,” he shared. “We tell our comrades to wait. We have leaders who are working on things, so we need to be patient.”

Values for a New Life

Aleem Hanif Onofri, a BDA facilitator in the VTT in Mati City, has witnessed the positive transformation firsthand among the decommissioned combatants like Camanggo.

“Our goal with the VTT is to make them productive citizens by improving their character through Islamic values,” he explained. “They embrace Islamic teachings because they recognize their importance. We also work on normalizing their lives, changing their perspective from that of a combatant. We discourage extremism and vice, and instead, encourage them to contribute to peace and order, both in their families and communities,” Onofri said, his eyes holding a deep empathy for the participants.

He highlighted the program’s unique focus on an individual’s spiritual growth.

“The spiritual knowledge they gain provides them with unwavering inner strength,” he stated. “After the VTT, they understand that their struggle is over, and they are now civilians. We emphasize the significant contribution they made to the Bangsamoro struggle, and they are happy to be recognized for their past sacrifices. A sense of peace washes over them as they embrace their new roles as fathers, brothers, and pillars of their communities.”

“The program isn’t just about changing their actions it’s about transforming their hearts and minds. We see a shift – a newfound appreciation for life, a commitment to building a better future for their families, and a dedication to fostering peace within themselves and their communities,” Onofri continued.

The transition from warrior to civilian is a long and arduous journey. But for Camanggo and countless others, the VTT program is a beacon of hope, guiding them toward a future built on peace, second chances, and the steady reconstruction of their lives. ###