Butig, Lanao del Sur — A land once scarred by conflict is set to witness a new beginning. Today, 13 November 2025, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officially broke ground for a 100-unit resettlement housing project at Camp Bushra Somiorang in Brgy. Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur.
This milestone comes 25 years after the area experienced violence in May 2000. The project, funded under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2023 and coordinated by the SDF Project Management Office (SDF-PMO), aims to establish a thriving and sustainable community. Aside from housing, the development includes a perimeter fence, entrance archway, access road, water system, covered court, health station, multipurpose building, and solar street lights.
The ceremonial groundbreaking was led by MHSD’s leadership trio: Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri, and Bangsamoro Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim, with provincial facilitation from MHSD-Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Benjamin D. Alangca and Chief of Staff Ajeeb Dhiauddin D. Barra.
Officials from various sectors expressed their commitment to the project, emphasizing its role in supporting families of the Mujahideen who sacrificed for the Bangsamoro cause. Among those present were MP Basit “Jannati” S. Abbas, Camp Bushra Coordinator; Engr. Kadil A. Sulaik, Jr., SDF-PMO Project Manager; Mohaymen Usman, MILF-JTFCT Focal; BGen. Billy O. Dela Rosa, Commander of the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade; and Masiu Mayor Romil M. Guiling.
BGen. Dela Rosa affirmed the Philippine Army’s continued partnership with the Bangsamoro Government. “This project signifies our collective commitment to building not just homes, but a future of hope and peace for our people,” he said.
Minister Atty. Barra highlighted that through initiatives like this, the BARMM government is translating peace into tangible progress. “Every Bangsamoro family deserves the dignity of a safe and decent home,” he said.
MP Abbas also praised the collaborative effort among government agencies, the security sector, and local communities. “This groundbreaking is a testament to unity and collaboration in building a better Bangsamoro,” he added.
The resettlement project is part of the Normalization Program under the Camps Transformation Plan (CTP), reflecting the BARMM government’s ongoing efforts to promote lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Lanao del Sur and across the region. The 5th Infantry “Duty Bound” Battalion also joined the ceremony, further symbolizing the harmonious cooperation between the security forces and the community in fostering development.
As the first shovels of earth were turned, Camp Bushra Somiorang begins its transformation—from a place marked by the scars of conflict to a vibrant community of hope, stability, and inclusive growth.