OPAPRU: Gov't reintegration program to help 3,000 Sulu insurgents

Around 3,000 former rebels are expected to be reintegrated back into society this year as the national government launched its rehabilitation program for surrendered Sulu province insurgents.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. visited the province on Thursday and had a series of meetings with the top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 11th Infantry Division and secured several peace engagements with the military.

The OPAPRU Secretary also held separate meetings with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) member Albakil Tong Jikiri to discuss the transformation programs for members of the Abu Sayaff, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“I congratulate the military and the local government of Sulu led by Governor Tan. With the improved security condition in the island province, there is more reason for us to carry out our mandate to transform Moro combatants and their communities. In this way, we are laying down the foundation of enduring and sustainable peace not just in Sulu but also across Mindanao,” the OPAPRU chief said.

The national government will implement a Transformation Program worth P430 million for 3,000 MNLF members, their families, and communities in Sulu this year.

The program involves a holistic approach to ensure that the combatants will be fully rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into peaceful civilian life.

This intervention is on top of the P130 million worth of socio-economic assistance that will be provided to MNLF members in Sulu within this year.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has commended the good relationship between the national government and the Moro rebels in Mindanao," added Galvez.

"This harmonious relationship paved the way for the implementation of the signed peace agreements with the Moro rebel organizations, and this led to the prevailing improved peace and order conditions in Mindanao.”

Earlier, President Duterte said he thinks there is now a “relatively peaceful” Mindanao after his administration achieved its peace objectives in the Muslim region. — DVM, GMA News