Bangsamoro peace process hindered by pandemic

 Posted to The Star Online (Nov 19, 2020): Bangsamoro peace process hindered by pandemic

THE Covid-19 pandemic has affected the normalisation – including the peace process – in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Director-General Mohajirin T. Ali said.

During yesterday’s online hearing of the House committee on peace, reconciliation and unity, Ali reported that funds are “scarce” as the country continues to grapple with the pandemic.

“Due to the pandemic, movements by peace workers as well as international peace partners are seriously affected, and consequently funds are also scarce, ” Ali said.

“Seriously hit is the coffer of the Malacanang in providing funds especially for decommissioned combatants, ” he added.

A part of the peace process is the monetary provision and aid to decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants including cash advances, housing packages and livelihood programmes.

“If all the 40,000 combatants are to be decommissioned, it would need 40 billion pesos (RM3.4bil). This is a staggering amount, ” he said.Ali said that their decommissioning also involves activities “aimed at achieving a smooth transition to productive civilian life.” — Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/11/19/bangsamoro-peace-process-hindered-by-pandemic