From Guerrilla to Civilian: The Untold Story of Friends Rescued

This study explores the lived experiences of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), referred to as “Friends Rescued,†and their reintegration into civilian life in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Using a qualitative narrative research design and purposive sampling, eight participants who had been active NPA members for at least three years were interviewed through semi-structured, open-ended questions. Guided by Social Reintegration Theory, Identity Transformation Theory, and Social Learning Theory, the analysis revealed four central themes: (1) joining the NPA was primarily driven by poverty, family ties, and social oppression; (2) transitioning to civilian life entailed significant psychological, social, and emotional struggles but also reflected a pursuit of peace and dignity; (3) livelihood initiatives, community engagement, and faith-based activities served as coping and adjustment strategies; and (4) reintegration was facilitated by government aid and community support, though stigma and uneven program delivery posed challenges. The results underscore the importance of comprehensive, sustained, and community-driven support systems that combine economic assistance, psychosocial care, and acceptance to ensure successful reintegration. The study contributes to peacebuilding discourse by highlighting the complexities of post-conflict reintegration and the resilience of former rebels.