OPAPRU, Agusan del Sur PLGU launch ‘Kalinow Peace Center’
PATIN-AY, AGUSAN DEL SUR — The heavy downpour did not stop 64 former rebels, now called ‘friends rescued,’ (FRs) from taking their oath of allegiance to the nation, pledging to turn away from armed struggle and pursue the path of peace.
The men and women, clad in plain white shirts, used to patrol the countryside with rifles in tow and engaged government troops in intense armed battles. But as they raised their hands and recited the oath on Friday, November 29, they began a new chapter in their lives. (more…)