PROVINCE OF SULU — Prospects look bright for former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants here who will now have better access to various socioeconomic assistance from the national government.

This, after the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) completed on June 28 the socioeconomic profiling of more than 400 MNLF members under its MNLF Transformation Program.

The OPAPRU was joined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Integrated Provincial Health Office and rural health offices and the Philippine Statistics Authority for the initial socio-economic interventions.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the MNLF jointly implemented the security processes relative to the security component. For their part, the Mindanao State University-Sulu and General Santos campuses and Sulu State College took care of the socio-economic profiling process of combatants.

Each beneficiary received a Transitional Cash Assistance amounting to Php 45,000 from the DSWD, with a agency disbursing a total amount of Php 20,610,000 for all the combatants.

Qualified MNLF members also received rice provisions from the OPAPRU, PhilHealth coverage, civil registration assistance from the Philippine Statistics Authority and transitory cash assistance from the DSWD.

During the closing ceremony, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G Galvez underscored the steadfast determination of the Marcos Administration to fulfill all of the government’s commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

“Patuloy ang aming pakikipagtulungan sa liderato ng MNLF upang maisigurado ang pagsisimula ng transpormasyon at pag-unlad ng bawat MNLF combatant, kanilang pamilya at komunidad lalong-lalo na dito sa Sulu,” Galvez stressed.

Creating livelihood opportunities

The socioeconomic profiling is a process under the MNLF Transformation program that aims to help the MNLF members, combatants, their families and communities in becoming self-reliant, productive and empowered individuals.

It is an important step in gathering data and assessing the socioeconomic status of MNLF members so that they can avail of better and more livelihood opportunities.

In his message, Alisher Usman, barangay chairperson of Kaunayan, Patikul and representative of the MNLF-Sulu, expressed their gratitude to the OPAPRU and its implementing partners for the assistance they have received.

“Hindi po namin ito maaabot kung hindi dahil sa inyong pagtitiwala at pag-gabay,” Usman said.

“At sa darating na panahon, patuloy na ang mga developments and programs Para sa mga Tao, at maraming pang iba. Like livelihood,” he added.

This Transformation Program, which is among the government’s commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, was launched by the OPAPRU in 2023.

Under the program, a total of 2,000 MNLF combatants in Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Cotabato City were profiled. A total amount of Php 90,000,000 in Transitional Cash Assistance have been released to the beneficiaries.

MNLF Transformation in Sulu

Meanwhile, In 2025, 537 MNLF-owned firearms were documented from the Municipality of Patikul and Municipality of Talipao, while 458 MNLF members have completed the socioeconomic profiling.

The OPAPRU, through its MNLF Peace Process Office, aims to implement the second phase of the profiling in Sulu within the year.

During the closing program, peace implementing partner representatives expressed their gratitude to the first batch of MNLF combatants, their families and their communities in Patikul and in Talipao for their patience and cooperation in the implementation of the whole validation, verification and socioeconomic profiling.

Other implementing partners included the Integrated Local Health Insurance Office – Sulu, Philippine Statistics Authority – BARMM, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office IX, Sulu Police Provincial Office, Mindanao State University – Sulu and the 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division, Philippine Army

Dr. Reynaldo Pescadera III, MD Medical Coordinator, Medical Specialist III, IPHO reiterated that the IPHO together with its 19 Regional Health units are open to cater the needs of the MNLF combatants, their families and their communities.

“Kung gusto po ninyo magpa check-up, magpa-consult at magpagamot, bukas po kami 24/7 para sa inyong lahat,” Pescador pressed.

In his message, Mr. Delson Yusof, Registration Officer V, Philippine Statistics Authority – BARMM Regional Office commended the OPAPRU and the security sector for their “dedication and meticulous steps of the process.”

For him, the implementation of the program in Sulu is “a testament to the collaborative spirit” of all involved stakeholders.

More than a process

As for the DSWD, represented by, Ms. Annie Lilibeth Jimeno Focal for Transformation Program, DSWD Field Office IX, the socioeconomic profiling is “more than just a process” rather “a journey of healing and hope” towards “peace, dignity and shared progress.”

For her, the realization of the program in Sulu is “a testament of lasting commitment to unity and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro.”

Being the host for the profiling process, Dr. Charisma Ututalum, president of the Sulu State College, lauded the successful roll-out of the MNLF Transformation Program in Sulu.

“In Sulu State College, we deeply recognize the value of such engagements. We are proud to stand alongside OPAPRU and all its partners in promoting an inclusive, just and peaceful society in our province,” Ututalum said.

She also shared that her institution’s partnership with the peace agency began in 2019 and that it took five years to realize the full implementation of the program’s verification and socioeconomic profiling process.

For his part, Hji. Nagder J Abdurahman, chancellor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) – Sulu, requested the MNLF’s elders to help the academic community “encourage” MNLF youth to avail of educational opportunities offered by both public universities.

Full support of security sector

Meanwhile, the security sector, represented by MGen Leonardo I Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and PCol. Jeff B Uy, provincial director of the Sulu Police Provincial Office, reaffirmed their continued support, as they committed to ensure peace and security in the province.

Both officers also called on the MNLF combatants to fully support the security sector’s peacebuilding efforts in the province.

“Sana bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno para ibahagi ang proyektong matagal na ninyong tinatamasan,” Peña called for the continuous openness of the MNLF to government programs allocated for them.

With the success of the Transformation Program in Sulu, Alisher Usman, MNLF – Sulu representative reaffirmed the MNLF’s unwavering commitment to the GPH-MNLF peace process.

“We believe that this initiative is crucial for creating a more harmonious and prosperous community. We stand behind efforts that promote stability, growth, and unity, and we are committed to contributing in any way we can,” Usman said.

Mario J. Aguja, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities of MSU-General Santos and member of the GPH Management Committee, shared that OPAPRU aims to complete the validation, verification and socioeconomic profiling of the remaining 167 MNLF members in Sulu within the year.###