THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) completed the socioeconomic assessment and validation of 161 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants in Lanao del Sur, marking a key milestone for the MNLF Transformation Program. Each MNLF member received P45,000.00 in transitional cash assistance, food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office X, and 25 kilos of rice from Opapru.

Presidential Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the MNLF combatants to continue supporting the peace process between the Philippine government and the MNLF, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving their socioeconomic conditions. The MNLF Transformation Program, launched in September 2023, aims to uplift the lives of MNLF members and transform their communities into self-reliant areas.

The program's socioeconomic component includes immediate financial assistance, health insurance, civil registration aid, and special assistance for disabled combatants and their families. In 2023, 1,705 combatants across Mindanao participated in this initiative.

Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual, chairman of the GPH Management Committee, reaffirmed the government's commitment to honoring the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF. Col. Billy de la Rosa of the 103rd Infantry Brigade also praised the combatants for supporting the program and promoting peace in the province. The DSWD and Philippine Statistics Authority also pledged continued support for MNLF communities.

The MNLF remains committed to helping the government achieve long-lasting peace and development in Mindanao and the country.

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