MATANOG, MAGUINDANAO (21 November 2022) — To augment the national government’s disaster relief efforts in provinces affected by Typhoon Paeng in the Bangsamoro region and neighboring areas, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) continued the distribution of assistance packages to victims.

The OPAPRU’s relief operations are focused on Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities that were severely hit by the typhoon.

The identified areas included Kenebeka in Datu Odin Sinsuat; Mother Tuayan in Datu Hoffer; Saniag, Ampatuan; Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan; Adaun in Datu Anggal; Bagoenged; Neketan; Badak; Kusiong/Amaya; Tapian; Dimapatoy Dinaig, Dinaig Proper; Sapad in Matanog; Macabiso in Sultan Mastura; Magsaysay in Parang; Macaguiling, Simuay, and Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat; Masigay and Reyha Rehente in Datu Piang; Maker; Dapantis, Rajah Buayan; Kuren, Talitay, Montay, Tukanalugong and Datu Abdullah Sangki in Kaladturan, Gen. SK. Pendatun and Pagalungan in Maguindanao del Sur; Datu Odin Sinsuat, Upi and Datu Blah in Maguindanao del Norte; Lebak in Sultan Kudarat; and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato.

According to Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the OPAPRU’s relief operations amounting to Php 6.1 million of food and non-food items is part of the agency’s immediate socio-economic interventions for MILF and MNLF families in the province.

“Layunin ng pamahalaang nasyonal, sa ilalim ng iba’t-ibang ahensya na matugunan ang inyong mga pangunahing pangangailangan,” Galvez told the MILF and MNLF beneficiaries during the relief operations.

Each assistance package includes food items such as 10 kilograms of rice, sardines, corned beef, tuna flakes, 3n1 coffee, powdered cereal drink and instant noodles.

The non-food items include medicines such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Loperamide and water disinfection tablets, as well as hygiene containing toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, bath and laundry soap, sanitary napkins. A bathroom dipper, plastic bucket with deep cover, and malong were also part of the relief package.

Galvez stressed the importance of unity and cooperation between the two Moro fronts, especially during times of crisis.

“Nais nating manawagan sa ating mga kapatid na MILF at MNLF na magkaisa at magtulungan. Ito po ang magiging susi sa ating mabilis na pagbangon,” he said.

Bridge of Peace

For Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil Guro, despite her municipality being a former war zone years ago, it was her people’s resilience, perseverance and cooperation which enabled them to rebuild after the conflict.

It is this same ironclad mindset, Guro said, which they leaned on when the typhoon struck, destroying their homes and damaging vital infrastructure in the municipality such as the Sarakan Bridge.

According to a report by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Bureau of Maintenance, as of Thursday, November 3, the partial cost of damage to national roads, bridges, and flood-control structures caused by Tropical Storm Paeng has reached Php 2.09 billion.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) alone, the total damage to public infrastructure has amounted to Php 200 million.

Galvez assured Guro that the DPWH will fast track the rehabilitation of the Sarakan Bridge, which serves as a critical gateway for the national government’s ongoing relief efforts in the area.

Due to the damage it sustained during the typhoon, only light vehicles can pass through the bridge.

Once its rehabilitation is completed, the bridge will be renamed “Kalilintad,” which means peace in Maguindanaon.

Galvez also thanked the mayor and the people of Matanog for accommodating members of MILF and MNLF communities who lost their homes, and giving them a “home of peace and safety.”

Protect the environment

Meanwhile, OPAPRU Executive Director for Bangsamoro Transformation Cesar De Mesa, who is overseeing OPAPRU’s four-day relief efforts in the region, reminded local leaders and village folk to intensify efforts to protect their community from such natural calamities by planting more trees.

He also encouraged them to look out for each other and be more prepared against environmental, peace or security threats.

“Kasi inubos ang mga puno sa bundok, lumuwag ‘yung lupa at bato kaya nag-landslide siya ‘nung umulan ng marami. Kaya ito, may mga kabundukan pa kayo dito, alagaan niyo ‘yan,” De Mesa stressed.

OPAPRU has so far distributed 2,136 food packages since its relief operations began on November 18. ###