As a significant step towards the reintegration of individuals who have returned to the folds of the law, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) has extended a social intervention by providing financial assistance of PhP 5,000 to each of the 86 former violent extremists (FVEs) on Monday, July 17, 2023. The distribution took place at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion, Kampilan Division, located in Brgy. Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
The surrenderers come from the municipalities of Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in the Maguindanao del Sur.
โThe financial assistance is part of the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance to Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program. Beyond the immediate cash aid, MSSD conducted intake interviews to assess the FVEs and their familiesโ eligibility for various regular social protection programs,โ said Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Estrella, MSSD Director General.
He emphasized that the purpose of the said service delivery was aligned with the perspective of just peace as an immediate response to the underlying socio-economic issues faced by the FVEs.
โThis 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,โ MSSD Director General Estrella added.
Abdul, not his real name, who had been a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for 11 years, revealed that one of the reasons behind their decision to surrender
is the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government.
โWhen we knew about the programs of the Bangsamoro Government and the military for us, we were inspired to return to society. We felt their sincere efforts in helping us to change our lives and live back normally,โ Abdul expressed.
Other immediate assistance were also extended to the said FVEs such as welfare goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and seedlings from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). The Office of Congressman Mohamad “Tong” Paglas, also hosted a โkanduliโ or thanksgiving celebration for them.
Lt. Col. Michael Glenn Manansala, Commanding Officer of 6IB, pointed out that one of the strategies employed by their battalion to encourage more FVEs to reintegrate is to connect them with provincial and municipal local government units and BARMM ministries. The objective is to make them feel supported and not neglected by the government.
โThe AFP will provide certificates of clearance to the FVEs enabling them to return to normal life once their names are cleared through due process,โ Lt. Col Manansala added.
He also expressed his hope that the FVEs’ positive example would inspire more of their former comrades to surrender, and the battalion is open to facilitating their reintegration moving forward.
๐๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐!
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