IN the wake of a deadly encounter between Philippine Army soldiers and members of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Lanao del Norte, Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go has extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the military personnel who lost their lives.
"First of all, I sympathized with the families of the fallen soldiers," Go said in a chance interview on Wednesday, February 21, highlighting the sacrifices made by the soldiers in the line of duty.
The clash unfolded on February 18 in Lanao del Norte, which led to the death of six soldiers. The soldiers, part of the scout platoon of the 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB), were engaged in a military operation when they stumbled upon DI-MG militants in Barangay Ramain of Munai town.
The senator also addressed the menace of terrorism, urging the military to intensify its efforts to suppress terror groups that threaten the stability of the region.
Another issue that Go responded to was the alleged reduction in cash assistance for the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
Go highlighted that these existing programs and incentives designed to facilitate the decommissioning process are key components to achieving peace between the government and rebel groups.
"I am calling on our Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez, to validate and investigate together with the MILF Peace Implementing Panel and even the BARMM government," he said.
In a Senate hearing on February 20 attended by former MILF fighters, allegations surfaced that MILF commanders are taking cuts from the cash grants intended for rebel returnees.
This concern was raised by the former fighters themselves, indicating a potential loss of funds given the report that about 26,000 former combatants have surrendered so far.
Go emphasized the importance of the cash grants provided to former rebels as part of their decommissioning, viewing these funds as essential for helping them transition to a peaceful, civilian life.
To end, Go has urgently called on the government to hasten the decommissioning process of former rebel combatants, stressing that the progress made thus far has not reached the intended targets.
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