OPAPRU completes profiling of 2K MNLF members for gov't aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2024): OPAPRU completes profiling of 2K MNLF members for gov't aid (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TRANSFORMED LIVES. MNLF combatants undergo socio-economic profiling in Lanao del Sur province on Aug. 22, 2024. The OPAPRU on Wednesday (Aug. 28) said it has completed the socio-economic profiling for nearly 2,000 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, as part of the government's Transformation Program for the group. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday announced the completion of the socio-economic profiling for nearly 2,000 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, as part of the government's Transformation Program for the group.

A total of 161 MNLF members were the last to undergo socio-economic assessment, validation, and verification processes for the program in Lanao del Sur on Aug. 22, according to an OPAPRU news release.

OPAPRU Chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said this marks another milestone for the MNLF Transformation Program.

He also called on the former combatants to continue supporting the peace process.

“Masaya po kaming makita ang mga positibong pagbabagong nagaganap sa buhay ng ating mga MNLF combatants. Tunay na abot kamay na ninyo ang mga dibidendo ng prosesong pangkapayapaan. Kaya’t patuloy po tayong magkaisa at magtulungan (We are happy to see of the positive changes on our MNLF combatants. It is true that the dividends of the peace process are within your grasp, this is why we need to be united and keep on helping one another)," he said.

Each MNLF member from Lanao Del Sur received transitional cash assistance amounting to PHP45,000 and food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office X and 25 kilos of rice from OPAPRU.

Under the agreed terms of the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-MNLF Management Committee, the OPAPRU launched the Transformation Program for MNLF combatants on Sept. 30, 2023, in Lamitan, Basilan.

The process was then implemented in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and North Cotabato.

A total of 1,705 MNLF combatants across Mindanao participated in the initiative in 2023.

On July 4 this year, 97 MNLF combatants in Lamitan, Basilan underwent the socio-economic assessment process.

Galvez also reaffirmed the national government’s unwavering commitment to help uplift the socioeconomic conditions of the MNLF members, their families, and their communities.

The Transformation Program is anchored on the socio-economic provision of the Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF signed in 1996, which is designed to transform the lives and positively change the mindsets of the MNLF combatants and their families, and turn their areas into productive and self-reliant communities

It has four major components: security, socio-economic, confidence-building, and community healing and reconciliation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232075