MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Some 131 former local insurgents in Lanao del Sur received assistance from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and provincial government, along with the Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project. 

The aid distribution highlighted the culmination of a ceremonial program that capped a three-day peacebuilding training organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), the 103rd Infantry Brigade, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, the SCCB Project, and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It allowed former insurgents to interact and mingle with government representatives, allowing them to share their testimonies and express specific concerns.

On the last day, the MPOS-BARMM handed over P10,000 in financial assistance while the SCCB Project and the Lanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) distributed relief goods.

MPOS-BARMM Director General Lawyer Al-Rashid Balt shared that the cash they offered was named "bridging fund," which intends to address the urgent necessities and expenses of the covered beneficiaries.

He fervently hoped that the grant would be used appropriately.

“Pwede nila itong gamitin na amount sa immediate (needs). Ito ay maliit na amount pero we are hoping na magamit nila ito sa importanteng bagay,” said Balt.

(They can use this amount for immediate needs. It is only a small amount, but we hope they can use this for important things).

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Johanessa Lucman looked forward to having another meeting with the former local insurgents.

She stated that the provincial government had prepared enough interventions through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to ease the transition of returnees into normal and peaceful living so that they would be encouraged to be peace advocates as well.

“Isa rin sa purpose ng ECLIP ay para marestore at matulungan din namin kayo na makabalik kayo (sa normal na pamumuhay). Inyo ring sikapin na maging instrument kayo ng peace dito sa ating lugar,” said Lucman. 

(One of the purposes of ECLIP is to restore and help you to go back (to normal living). You also strive to be instruments of peace here in our place.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)