In line with the programs under the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF DPAGs), the initial profiling of the fifty-four (54) surrendered members of Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in Western Mindanao was conducted on February 18, 2022, held at Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Bigkis Lahi Hall, Camp BGen Salipada K Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao.
The initial profiling includes activities such as Getting to Know, Stress Debriefing, and Individual Interview. This will serve as preliminary action on the operationalization of the National Task Group on Rehabilitation and Reintegration (NTG RnR) which will be spearheaded by DSWD. Moreover, it intends to record and process the profile of the surrendered PAGs.
The activity was spearheaded by the DILG Assistant Secretary Alexander L Macario, Alternate Chairperson of National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF DPAGs) and was further attended by officials and members of NTF-DPAGs Mindanao Secretariat, Area Police Command – Western Mindanao (APC WM), Command Group and Regional Staffs of PRO BAR, Maguindanao PPO, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Interior and Local Government.
Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Arthur R Cabalona, Regional Director, PRO BAR once again stressed the importance of the government approach in combatting PAGs as tools for genuine peace and development. He further reiterates that PRO BAR is committed to dismantling the remaining Private Armed Groups in the Bangsamoro region.
“We are committed to dismantling the remaining PAGs in the region. We cannot allow these groups to continue to sow fear and violence among our people.” PBGen Cabalona pointed out.
