Gov’t completes 3rd phase of Moro Islamic Liberation Front decommissioning process – Palace

From CNN Philippines (Aug 5, 2023): Gov’t completes 3rd phase of Moro Islamic Liberation Front decommissioning process – Palace (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) — The third phase of the decommissioning process of the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been completed, Malacañang said Friday.

The decommissioning process, which began in 2015, is part of the government’s normalization program to reintegrate former Moro Islamic Liberation Front  combatants into society.

“The completion of the third phase signifies the strong partnership of the government and the MILF to pursue a singular mission of transforming the Bangsamoro…..reflective of the President’s vision to build a Bangsamoro that is self-governing, progressive, and effective,” said Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo, Jr. in a statement.

“The national government also maintains its dedicated support and commitment to the other aspects of the Normalization Program such as socioeconomic development, security, transitional justice and reconciliation, and confidence-building measures including amnesty,” he added.

The third phase of the decommissioning program of Moro Islamic Liberation Front  members started in November 2021.

Under the third phase, the government said that 5,499 former rebels have been provided with cash assistance, and around 35,000 birth certificate applications have been processed.

Meanwhile, at least 3,000 have completed their skills training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and 3,658 also finished their basic education through the alternative learning system.

Lagdameo also said that local amnesty boards are being established nationwide.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked Congress during his second State of the Nation Address to support his promise to grant amnesty to former rebels, saying this is a crucial step to complete their reintegration into society.

From 2015 to 2022, a total of 28,844 Moro Islamic Liberation Front   combatants have been decommissioned.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/5/Government-completes-3rd-phase--MILF-decommissioning.html