Unveiling the lived experiences of rebel returnees: A phenomenological inquiry

Aim: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of rebel returnees in the Philippines, focusing on their journeys before, during, and after involvement in armed movements.Guided by Hirschi's Social Control Theory, the research examined how social bonds, values, and identities were reshaped throughout the reintegration process.Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed.Ten rebel returnees who had reintegrated into civilian life were purposively selected as participants.Data were gathered through in-depth, semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to capture shared meanings and patterns in participants' narratives.Results: The analysis revealed two overarching themes: Life Journey of a Rebel and Reintegration into Society.Findings showed that poverty, perceived injustice, and the search for belonging influenced entry into armed groups, while experiences during rebellion were marked by hardship, camaraderie, and psychological strain.Reintegration was characterized by both hope and difficulty, particularly due to stigma, emotional burden, and limited access to support services. Conclusion:The study underscores the need for holistic and sustained reintegration strategies that address economic stability, psychosocial healing, family reunification, and community acceptance.By foregrounding the voices of rebel returnees, the research contributes to peacebuilding discourse and offers evidence-based insights for designing inclusive reintegration and deradicalization programs that support long-term social reintegration and national development.