Authors : Gretchen Mae A. Membredo; Nestor C. Nabe

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/42bu3cf8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/53zc2esd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1813

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study investigated the experiences of commissioned officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in working with former rebels in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It aimed to explore how officers’ perceptions, attitudes, and trust toward former rebels are shaped through direct interaction, and to identify challenges and insights that can inform reintegration policies. A qualitative multiple case study design was employed, involving ten purposively selected commissioned officers assigned to selected PNP units in BARMM. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic and cross-case analysis to identify patterns of convergence and divergence. Findings revealed that officers’ perceptions were positively influenced by former rebels’ participation in peacebuilding and community development activities, demonstration of professional competence, and observable personal reform. Several challenges emerged, including the need for mindset adjustment, difficulties in building mutual trust, communication barriers, and concerns about loyalty to former affiliations. The study also identified key insights to strengthening reintegration efforts: institutional inclusion, multi-sectoral collaboration, capacity building, mentoring and monitoring, social reconciliation, and personal transformation. The findings may contribute to criminology and peace studies by offering insights into post-conflict policing and reconciliation from law enforcement officers' perspectives. They also provide practical implications for enhancing peace-oriented policing strategies, improving training programs, and developing effective reintegration frameworks in conflict-affected regions.

Keywords : Criminal Justice, Philippine National Police, Commissioned Officers, Former Rebels, Reintegration, Multiple Case Study.

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