Army camp turns into recruitment agency in support of peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Army camp turns into recruitment agency in support of peace process

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --The military here has shown its paradigm shift from war to peace with its camp literally converted into a recruitment agency for Moro rebels, officials said today.

From launching pad of major military operations in Maguindanao and nearby areas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID)headquarters here has opened the gates of Camp Siongco to children of Muslim rebels and dependents of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who wish to work overseas, according to Maguindanao Governor Esmael Toto Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu's office and Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6th ID chief, joined hands to provide employment opportunities for Moro rebels and their dependents find foreign employment under a placement program intended for 25,000 applicants.

"This is in support of the province, the military and other local officials for the socio-economic component of the Mindanao peace process," Mangudadatu said of the employment thrust dubbed as "Light for Work Project."

Maguindanao and 6th ID will join efforts along with government-accredited recruitment agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment in the recruitment program.

Mangudadatu said the local mayors of 36 towns will help facilitate the documentation of applicants from their respective areas.

“This will help address human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities of syndicates targeting our poor people," he said, adding poor Maguindanaons are easy prey of opportunists recruiters.

Interested applicants can visit Camp Siongco during work days and ask for assistance from a placement center inside the camp.

Both Gapuz and Mangudadatu are eyeing to facilitate employment of 25,000 qualified workers to the Middle East.

"This project is open not only for Maguindanaons but for those coming from other provinces under our AOR (area of jurisdiction)," Gapuz told reporters.

Mangudadatu said children of BIFF or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front can avail of the program provided they do not carry firearms in applying.

Mangudadatu said the implementation of the project was done in closely coordinating with the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Deles.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618018