OPAPRU pilots localized normalization program for Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in Basilan

 From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 26, 2024): OPAPRU pilots localized normalization program for Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in Basilan (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (middle) and Basilan Gov. Hajiman Salliman Hataman (second from right) lead the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the pilot implementation in Basilan of the localized normalization program for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants held at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City on Jan. 26, 2024. Also in photo are (L-R) Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation David Diciano; Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of Western Mindanao Command; and Basilan Provincial Treasurer Majad Daggong. (Photo by OPAPRU)

To sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the provincial government of Basilan on Friday, Jan. 26, for the pilot implementation of the localized "normalization program" for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants.

Currently being implemented at the national level, the normalization program is a key component of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which aims to decommission 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and transform them into "peaceful and productive civilians" and their areas into "progressive and resilient communities", according to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

The agreement seeks to localize the implementation of the normalization program through the "Localizing Normalization Implementation" (LNI) concept. The signing was led by Galvez and Basilan Governor Hajiman Salliman Hataman at the Eisenhower Hall inside the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Headquarters at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.

The OPAPRU said that the LNI concept presents a "locally-led and national government/inter-agency-supported structure" to implement the normalization program.

It seeks to strike a balance between enriching competencies and authorities already exercised by local government units (LGUs) under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under RA 11054 or Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which operationalizes the CAB.

OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. signs the Pledge of Commitment for the pilot implementation in Basilan of the normalization program for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants during a ceremony at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City on Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by OPAPRU)

"As members of our community, we must join forces and work hand-in-hand to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of programs and projects that aim to address the different aspects of the normalization program which include security, socio economic development, confidence-building, and transitional justice, as well as political participation," Galvez said.

The OPAPRU further explained that the LNI concept largely depends on the local structure of the communities and as such, its framework is designed to adjust and adapt to certain peculiarities in terms of the capacities and needs of LGUs.

The LNI's community-driven approach "empowers local communities, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that development efforts are sustainable and effective," the OPAPRU noted.

Governor Hataman said the "inspiration" for the implementation of the LNI in Basilan came from the provincial government’s campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a militant organization that was based in the province.

"That time, there was no proper policy on how to deal with members of the Abu Sayyaf who are willing to [go] mainstream back to the society. Then, this snowballs, as we implement the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program," he said, referring to an intervention program by the LGU and local law enforcement agencies that sought to eradicate loose firearms in Basilan.

At present, Hataman said the provincial government of Basilan and the Philippine Army's 101st Infantry Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon has already stenciled at least 4, 500 firearms and recovered 500 firearms in the island-province.

"We need to level up our peace interventions. The result of LNI will help in the overall peace of the island province of Basilan, the BARMM regional government, and the country," Hataman said.

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