A Case of Peacebuilding among Mindanao Soldiers
Gail Tan Ilagan
Abstract
How does a trained fighter become a peacebuilder? This paper examines the unique case of Lieutenant General Raymundo B. Ferrer and describes how he was able to work his peace agenda in Mindanao given the then-prevailing hawkish doctrine and policy in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It traces the beginning of his peace advocacy that would eventually develop the very first peacebulding course for soldiers and influence others to push for the institutionalization of peace education in the AFP. Ferrer’s story gives hope and inspiration to peace advocates, both in the military and the civilian sectors, as it shows that the efforts of one man can indeed make the difference in transforming the security sector towards peace.
