The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has returned ₱658 million to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), a fund initially allocated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) for the fourth phase of the decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Cluster explained that the funds were intended to support rehabilitation and livelihood programs for former MILF combatants, as stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“We were supposed to proceed with the fourth phase of the decommissioning process this year. However, since there were delays with the finalization of the official list of beneficiaries, the DSWD and the OPAPRU arrived at the mutual decision to return the funds allocated for the said phase to the Bureau of Treasury,” Tanjusay stated.
The DSWD, a member of the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Communities (TFDCC), is tasked with providing cash grants, livelihood assistance, and skills training endorsements to decommissioned combatants (DCs) and their families. However, the absence of a verified list of MILF beneficiaries has hindered the agency’s ability to deliver reintegration support.
“Eventually, we returned the funds to prevent any potential violations of audit regulations and ensure that public funds are utilized responsibly,” Tanjusay added.
Despite the setback, the DSWD assured that it remains committed to advancing peace and development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We want to reassure everyone that the national government’s dedication to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in BARMM will not be deterred,” Tanjusay emphasized.
The fourth phase of the MILF decommissioning process is a key component of the peace agreement, aimed at reintegrating former combatants into society and promoting sustainable livelihoods. While the delay has caused concerns, officials remain optimistic about resolving the challenges and moving forward with the program.