LAMITAN, BASILAN—Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members residing in this once conflict-ridden island-province can look ahead to a more secure future as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) continues the accelerated implementation of its MNLF Transformation Program.

Some 400 MNLF combatants underwent security paper validation, as well as attended orientations from October 12 to 13 that would qualify them for a Cash-For-Work Program, PhilHealth membership and study grants for their children, which are all under the socioeconomic component of the MNLF Transformation Program.

Since September 2022, the OPAPRU, through its MNLF Peace Process Office, has verified, validated and profiled 1,963 MNLF members so that they and their qualified next-of-kin can avail of the socioeconomic package.

Capacity building, social protection and health security

The MNLF Transformation Program was created to support the transition of MNLF combatants and their families into peaceful and productive members of society, and the transformation of their areas into secure, progressive and resilient communities.

Under the socioeconomic component of the program, MNLF combatants need to undergo a validation and verification process as well as a socioeconomic assessment to qualify them as beneficiaries.

After the profiling and assessment process, each combatant will receive an immediate cash assistance amounting to Php 45,000 and a food package from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

For the second phase of the socioeconomic process, the security papers of profiled MNLF combatants are reviewed and validated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for authentication so they can avail of civil registration and obtain birth, marriage and death certificates.

Through the support of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the profiled MNLF members will receive premium health insurance coverage under a sponsored health program that will also benefit their qualified dependents.

During the October 12 to 13 roll-out, profiled MNLF combatants received their PhilHealth IDs, validated their Membership Data Record (MTR) for their dependents, and were oriented on the premium health insurance and other services they can avail through PhilHealth.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office IX gave an orientation on the Cash-for-Work Program which will allow qualified MNLF combatants to work for 15 to 30 days in their communities wherein they will be paid based on the prevailing wage rate.

The Mindanao State University-Maguindanao likewise held peace sessions and an orientation on the MNLF Study Grant Program. Around 58 students, who are children of the profiled MNLF combatants, participated in the validation process.

Whole-of-government approach for peace

During the opening program, representatives from implementing partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment of support to the implementation of the MNLF Transformation Program and to the MNLF combatants, their families and communities.

Noel Baul, Executive Assistance of Lamitan City Mayor Roderick H Furigay, delivered the chief executive’s message wherein he expressed the continued support of the local government unit in the full implementation of the Transformation Program.

According to Furigay, “the MNLF Transformation program has been instrumental” in creating more opportunities for the MNLF combatants, and consequently, uplifting their socioeconomic well-being.

Representing Basilan Governor Jim Saliman-Hataman, Nulkaisa Aladain, Assistant Administrator of the Provincial Office of Basilan, reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for all peacebuilding programs and development initiatives for the people in Basilan.

“‘Pag peace ang pinag-uusapan, ‘pag kapayapaan po ang pinag-uusapan, supportado po tayo ng (ating provincial governor)…Ang word na transformation ay mabigat po, pero ‘pag tayo po ay nagtutulungan, mag-sama sama po tayo, ay kaya po natin,” Aladain said.

“Always po kami in support to other program agencies. Nagtulong-tulong po lahat ng agencies para maibigay ng tulong at serbisyo sa mga combatants,” said DSWD Regional Program Coordinator Evelyn Lingatong.

Lingatong also underscored the importance of the participation of the combatants in all the programs and services given to them.

She also noted the provision of other capacity-building programs for MNLF women under OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.

PSA-Basilan Field Office Chief Statistical Specialist Mahmur Sarail assured that the PSA wil “provide civil registration and Philippine Identification System” to the MNLF members and their families

Sarail explained that the birth certificate is a “fundamental document,” while the national I.D is a “legal identification” for the MNLF combatants “to ease access to resources, opportunities and rights” for all government programs.

“Tutulong po ang PhilHealth sa tuwing kayo ay magkakasakit, kasama ang inyong mga pamilya,” said PhilHealth Chief Social Insurance Officer, Nur-Ul Yassien Dangcal.

Commitment of support

For his part, BGen. Alvin Luzon, PA, Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade lauded the OPAPRU and all its implementing peace partners for the successful implementation of the MNLF Transformation Program in Basilan.

“Kami po from your security sector, from your army, we will continuously affirm our commitment para po maging successful ‘tong program na ito,” Luzon said.

Col. Abdurahman Jhovel (Ret.), Chairperson of the MNLF Joint Body on Management of Arms and Forces (JBMAF), shared that profiled MNLF combatants are thankful for the support given by the national government through the OPAPRU, especially in the implementation of the MNLF Transformation Program in Basilan.

Addressing his fellow MNLF members, Jhovel urged them to fully cooperate and to actively participate in the orientation.

In his closing message, BGen. Buenaventura Pascual, PA (Ret.), Chairperson of the GPH Management Committee, expressed his gratitude to the MNLF leadership and members for their strong support to the MNLF Transformation Program.

Pascual also acknowledged the unwavering efforts and dedication of implementing peace partners in uplifting the lives of MNLF members and their families.

The MNLF Transformation Program will also be rolled-out in the other targeted areas in Lanao del Sur and Central Mindanao to cater to profiled MNLF combatants in the province of Lanao del Sur. ###