NEWS
7May
PSRO holds workshop for transitioning combatants
- May 7, 2026
- Gandhi Kinjiyo
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Held at the Soleya Hall of Al-Nor Hotel and Convention Center, the activity brought together participants for structured discussions, interviews, and collaborative exercises aimed at identifying the immediate and long-term support requirements of former fighters returning to civilian life.
The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta' (BDI), the region's highest Islamic advisory body, was invited to provide an Islamic orientation during the workshop, highlighting the role of faith in promoting peace and social cohesion.
Sheikh Mohammad Taib Pangca, in his lecture on "Peaceful Coexistence in Islam," said Islam is a comprehensive way of life grounded in justice, compassion, and respect for humanity.
He also addressed common misconceptions and deliberate misinterpretations of Qur'anic verses and hadiths that have been used to justify extremist ideologies, stressing that Islam does not condone violence against innocent people but upholds the principles of mercy, balance, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
Speakers underscored the importance of correcting distorted narratives that are often exploited to fuel conflict and division — particularly in communities where former combatants are reintegrating into civilian life.
As the lead office implementing peace and reintegration programs in BARMM, PSRO supports former combatants through psychosocial services, livelihood and skills training, and socio-economic assistance. The office also mediates and settles rido, or clan-based conflict, which remains one of the persistent sources of violence in Bangsamoro communities.
The BDI expressed appreciation to PSRO for the continued collaboration, noting that strong partnerships between government institutions and religious bodies are essential in advancing peace education, countering violent extremism, and fostering lasting reconciliation across Bangsamoro communities.
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