TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- Three local government units (LGUs) here are set to spearhead the implementation of the normalization program for decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in the municipalities of Munai, Tangcal, and Tagoloan.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the "Localizing Normalization Implementation" (LNI) program.

LNI aims to improve the lives of MILF members, their families, and communities through various measures, including security enhancement, socio-economic growth, livelihood enhancement, political participation, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Ariel Hernandez, chairperson of the Government of the Philippines-Joint Normalization Committee, emphasized the crucial role of LGUs in implementing the normalization program for the MILF, noting the importance of local ownership tailored to Lanao del Norte's unique context.

He shared that there are now 26,132 MILF decommissioned combatants, of which 1,190 are in Lanao del Norte. More decommissioning is also expected before the year ends.

Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza Dimaporo expressed enthusiasm for the partnership between the national government and LGUs, envisioning a more peaceful province where all residents benefit, regardless of religious affiliation.

“Finally ito na nga. We are now together for a more peaceful province that all the children, yung lahat ng anak natin will benefit from. I am really overwhelmed na nangyari na ito. I know this is going to be the start, ang tunay na pagsasama, where the people of Lanao del Norte will be united—the Muslims and Christians,” she said.

(Finally, it's here. We are now together for a more peaceful province that all our children will benefit from. I am really overwhelmed that this has happened. I know this is going to be the start of genuine unity where the people of Lanao del Norte, Muslims and Christians alike, will come together.)

Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament Abdullah 'Bravo' Macapaar, also known as the commander of Camp Bilal of the MILF Northwestern Mindanao Front, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and pledged to uphold peace and order.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong lahat dahil ang Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, sana matuloy ang lahat na. Yung kampo namin ay hindi na camp kundi magiging community sa buong Lanao del Norte. Bukas ang aming community sa ano pong mga klaseng tulong ninyo. Ang gusto namin ay magpatuloy ang real peace and order,” he said.

(We thank all of you because we hope that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will push through. Our camps will no longer be just camps but will become communities throughout Lanao del Norte. Our community is open to whatever kind of help you can offer. What we want is to continue achieving real peace and order.)

In addition to the MOA signing, stakeholders from various sectors strategized the implementation of diverse programs aimed at supporting decommissioned MILF combatants and their communities. These initiatives include housing projects, water system projects, livelihood opportunities, and social welfare programs, among others.

Camp Bilal, situated in Sito Kora-kora within the municipality of Munai, Tamparan, is one of the six government-recognized MILF camps. It hosts several MILF base commands, including the 127th Base Command in Bacayawan, Munai; the 123rd Base Command in Panalawan, Tagoloan; and the 125th Base Command in Tangcal. (LELA,PIA Region 10-Lanao del Norte)