86 ex-Moro rebels get P430-K cash aid, other benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): 86 ex-Moro rebels get P430-K cash aid, other benefits (By Edwin Fernandez)

INITIAL AID. Social workers interview former members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who want to avail of government aid, at the Army base in Maguindanao del Sur on Monday (July 24, 2023). Initially, they received PHP5,000 cash assistance each from the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – At least 86 former Moro rebels in Maguindanao del Sur who had earlier surrendered to the government, received PHP430,000 worth of cash assistance from the Ministry of Social Services and Development – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) on Monday.

“It was a significant step towards the reintegration of individuals who have returned to the fold of the law,” Mohammad Muktadir Estrella, MSSD director general, said.

Each beneficiary received PHP5,000 during the distribution held at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) located in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.

The surrenderers, all from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), came from the municipalities of Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

“The financial assistance is part of the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance to Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program,” Estrella said.

“Beyond the immediate cash aid, MSSD conducted intake interviews to assess the ex-rebels and their families’ eligibility for various regular social protection programs.”

He said the aid aligns with the perspective of “just peace” as an immediate response to the underlying socio-economic issues faced by the former insurgents.

“This issue is about peace and security but more than anything else, it is also about socio-economic issues like poverty and access to opportunities. That is why the programs and services of MSSD are relevant,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Abdul, a former BIFF member, said he made the right decision in returning to the fold of the law, especially when the BARMM government was born.

“When we knew about the programs of the BARMM and the military for us, we were inspired to return to society. We felt their sincere efforts in helping us to change our lives,” Abdul said in the vernacular.

Aside from cash assistance, the former extremists also received farm inputs from the BARMM agriculture office and a “kanduli” or thanksgiving celebration from Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Mohammad Tong Paglas.

Lt. Col. Michael Glenn Manansala, 6IB commander, said after the series of the Moro rebels’ surrender, they were immediately linked to government agencies, such as the BARMM.

“The objective is to make them feel supported and not neglected by the government,” Manansala said.

He said the ex-BIFF combatants would be provided with certificates of clearance, enabling them to return to normal life once their names are cleared through due process.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206277