Localized implementation of 'Normalization Program' to begin in Basilan

 From GMANews Online (Jan 27, 2024): Localized implementation of 'Normalization Program' to begin in Basilan

Photo from OPAPRU

The province of Basilan will take the lead in the implementation of the Normalization Program between the government and former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

A ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Provincial Government of Basilan was signed on Friday.

The Normalization Program is a key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which aims to transform former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants into peaceful and productive civilians and their areas into progressive and resilient communities.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., and Basilan Governor Hajiman Salliman Hataman led the signing of the agreement at the Eisenhower Hall inside the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Headquarters.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Hadjiman Hataman Salliman and other local officials of the province for fully supporting the pilot implementation of the LNI (Localizing Normalization Implementation) in Basilan," said Galvez.

"It is our hope that your province will serve as an example for other PLGUs to emulate," added Galvez.

For his part, Governor Salliman Hataman said the "inspiration" for LNI in Basilan came from the provincial government’s campaign against the Abu-Sayyaf group.

"That time, there was no proper policy on how to deal with members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to mainstream back to the society. Then, this snowballs, as we implement the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program," he said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. William N. Gonzales, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), gave the assurance that WestMinCom will fully support the LNI’s implementation.

"Rest assured that the team WestMinCom shall definitely endeavor to support programs or projects that would benefit the communities in our area of operations," said Gonzales. –VAL, GMA Integrated News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/895573/localized-implementation-of-normalization-program-to-begin-in-basilan/story/