Program for MNLF communities bared

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 24): Program for MNLF communities bared

Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently visited Lanao del Norte to update the members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) regarding the latest development in the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Montalbo delivered his report during the regular meeting of the PPOC at the Macapagal Training Center in Tubod town, where he also disclosed a program that will give attention to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities.

He said the visit was to update the PPOC about the various activities that OPAPP is having, and are related to the peace process with the MNLF, as well as to inform them about what has been happening to the MILF peace process, the framework agreement, and the signed annexes.

The PPOC meeting was presided by Governor Khalid Dimaporo, and was attended by Lanao del Norte town mayors, chiefs of police (COPS), Philippine Army officials, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel, and Pakigdait Director Musa Sanguila.

Dimaporo said OPAPP has done a good job in showing its sincerity that the peace agreement is for all – not only for the MILF, but also for the MNLF.

Dimaporo said he is thankful that OPAPP has chosen the Lanao del Norte to be one of the pilot recipients of a program that will give attention to the MNLF communities.

In connection with OPAPP’s peace-building initiative under the PAMANA program, a brief presentation on the status of implemented projects was made by DILG Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique Libot.

PAMANA is one of the cornerstones of the national government to alleviate poverty, and reduce vulnerability in conflict-affected areas through sustainable rural development, community infrastructure, and focused delivery of social services.

Among Lanao del Norte towns that benefited from the PAMANA program include Kauswagan, Munai, Poona Piagapo, Salvador, Tangkal, and Kolambugan.

http://www.mb.com.ph/program-for-mnlf-communities-bared/