LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — Former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), along with their families, received various government services during the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) Caravan held on February 25 in this city.
The caravan, a joint effort of 24 ICCMN member-agencies, including six ministries from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the provincial government of Basilan, and the local government of Lamitan City, provided interventions such as agricultural inputs, medical services, civil and cooperative registration, health insurance, internet access, and amnesty applications for former rebels.
International organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Non-Violent Peace Force, and Fondation Suisse de Deminage, alongside private sector groups such as the Ayala Foundation, also participated. They set up educational booths at the main gymnasium, offering information on peace, education, development, gender, and social enterprise programs. UNDP additionally turned over a multipurpose speedboat, while Land Bank facilitated financial education through an on-site booth.
Former Combatants Express Gratitude
MILF member Myrna Katang, 45, from Tipo-Tipo, expressed her appreciation for the program, particularly the medical services offered. “Malaki po ang tulong ng programa ninyo ngayon talaga,” she said.
Similarly, MNLF member Salam Ajud, 60, a beneficiary of the government’s Transformation Program, applied for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s amnesty program. He emphasized the significance of the initiative in helping former combatants transition to civilian life.
Whole-of-Government Approach to Peace and Development
The ICCMN, created under Executive Order No. 79 and amended by EO No. 6 s. 2022, is responsible for ensuring the timely and effective implementation of the Normalization Program under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). It operates under a whole-of-government approach to integrate former combatants into society and transform MILF camps into zones of peace and development.
The ICCMN is co-chaired by Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. It provides policy guidance and monitors socio-economic interventions to support former MILF and MNLF members in their transition.
Local Leaders and Officials Welcome the Initiative
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick “Orik” Furigay commended the initiative, highlighting its role in uniting various stakeholders to provide essential services to MILF and MNLF members. “Your courage in embracing peace is commendable, and we stand with you in this journey,” he said.
Basilan Governor Jim Saliman Hataman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in achieving lasting peace. He urged former combatants to focus on unity and development rather than political differences. “Let’s not give political colors in the process, but more on our collective efforts to achieve sustainable peace in Basilan,” he stressed.
Presidential Commitment to the Bangsamoro Peace Process
Lagdameo, in a message delivered by OSAP Assistant Secretary Ria Lumapas, reiterated President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process. “We have come a long way, and our efforts will ensure the sustainable progress of the Bangsamoro people,” he stated.
Through the ICCMN Caravan, the Marcos Jr. administration guarantees essential services and the reintegration of former combatants as productive members of society. Lagdameo also highlighted the passage of Republic Act No. 12123, resetting the first regular elections in the BARMM to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Localized Normalization Implementation in Basilan
Secretary Galvez underscored the government’s commitment to intensifying the implementation of the Normalization Program. “Layunin din po namin na isakatuparan ang pangako ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tulungan na pataasin ang antas ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kapatid na Bangsamoro,” he said.
Basilan has become the first province in BARMM to adopt the Localized Normalization Implementation (LNI) framework. This approach integrates national and local government initiatives, ensuring a more effective and tailored implementation of the Normalization Program.
With continued support from national and international partners, the ICCMN Caravan remains a vital initiative in sustaining peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.
