September 26, 2024 – Manila, Philippines
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has raised concerns over opportunistic groups in Mindanao falsely claiming to be members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in an attempt to exploit the government’s socio-economic programs for former rebels. The warning came during a Finance Subcommittee C briefing on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, as the Senate reviewed the proposed P7.1-billion budget of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) for 2025.
Dela Rosa reported receiving alarming feedback about groups masquerading as MNLF members, recruiting individuals, and charging fees with the false promise of including them in government programs aimed at rehabilitating former combatants. The programs in question offer financial aid and socio-economic packages to individuals verified as part of the MNLF.
“Baka mamaya sasama sila sa verification at validation process ninyo. Be careful, alam ko maraming ganun. Gagamitin nila yung MNLF, sila mag-oocupy nung lupa,” Dela Rosa warned OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., urging caution during the verification process to prevent abuse.
In response, Galvez assured the committee that OPAPRU is aware of these concerns and will be vigilant in verifying the identities of individuals claiming to be part of the MNLF. He also provided updates on the ongoing decommissioning process, stating that OPAPRU has successfully verified and decommissioned 26,145 combatants, each receiving P100,000 along with educational and socio-economic assistance.
The MNLF’s Historic Struggle and Peace Agreement
The MNLF, led by Nur Misuari, was founded in 1972 as a response to perceived marginalization of the Muslim population in Mindanao. The group fought for independence from the Philippine government, seeking autonomy for the Moro people. After years of conflict and negotiations, the MNLF and the government signed the Final Peace Agreement in 1996, which granted the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a key milestone in the peace process.
However, not all factions of the MNLF were satisfied with the agreement, leading to splinter groups and continued unrest in some areas of Mindanao. The peace process was further complicated by the rise of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway group from the MNLF that sought a more comprehensive solution for Moro self-determination. The government eventually signed a separate peace agreement with the MILF, leading to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2019.
Despite these advances, the MNLF remains active in Mindanao, with various factions and individuals claiming allegiance to the group. This situation has created opportunities for unscrupulous groups to exploit the peace process and the socio-economic benefits provided by the government, as highlighted by Senator Dela Rosa.
Guarding Against Exploitation of Peace Programs
Dela Rosa’s warning underscores the challenges faced by OPAPRU and other government agencies in ensuring that socio-economic programs designed for legitimate former rebels are not hijacked by opportunistic groups. The senator expressed concern that false claimants may manipulate the verification process, leading to the misallocation of government resources and undermining the integrity of the peace process.
As the government continues its efforts to promote peace and development in Mindanao, the need for stringent measures to protect these programs from exploitation has become more pressing. In addition to OPAPRU’s budget, the subcommittee also reviewed the proposed allocations for the National Amnesty Commission (P113.9 million), the Mindanao Development Authority (P267.3 million), and the Southern Philippines Development Authority (P80 million).
Moving forward, it is essential that OPAPRU and its partners maintain strict oversight to ensure that only verified members of the MNLF and other rebel groups are included in government initiatives. The ongoing peace process in Mindanao remains fragile, and any exploitation of these programs could jeopardize the gains made over decades of negotiation and reconciliation.
