MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Peacebuilding efforts in Lanao del Sur got another major boost, as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Lanao del Sur inked two Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Aug. 22 to further promote peace, development, and stability in the province.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. signed agreements to jointly implement the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) and Preventing and Transforming Violent Extremism (PTVE) programs.
During the ceremonial signing, Galvez emphasized the importance of the agreements in bringing lasting peace and development to the province through targeted socioeconomic and security interventions designed to meet the specific needs of the former violent extremists and their communities.
He also highlighted the initial allocation of P17,821,600 for the first 200 former violent extremists and an additional P6,750,000 for 150 more, totaling approximately 350 beneficiaries.
“Ito ay napaka-importanteng memorandum agreement kasi ito, sunod-sunod na ang tulong natin sa ating mga kasamahan through the participation of the local government units,” he said.
[These memorandums of agreement are crucial as they represent the continuous assistance we are providing to our colleagues through the participation of local government units.]
For his part, Adiong expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with OPAPRU in assisting fellow citizens who are committed to promoting peace in the province.
“Kasama ang kanilang pamilya at komunidad, bahagi ng commitment na ating pagkakasunduan ay ang pamimigay ng one-time cash assistance para sa agarang pangangailangan at gastusin habang sila ay nasa transition period ng integration sa lipunan,” he added.
[As part of our agreement, we will provide one-time cash assistance to them and their families to help them during their transition back into society.]
The Governor also assured that the provincial government will do everything to ensure the success of the programs and leave no one behind in every step of development.
Support from Law Enforcement and Government Agencies
The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) and the 103rd (Haribon) Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army have expressed their full support for the MOAs, recognizing their significance in promoting harmony, understanding, and inclusive growth within the community.
“On behalf of the PNP, I would like to convey our full support for this endeavor and rest assured that we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining peace and order in this province. Let us help each other promote understanding, respect, and cooperation in partnership with a responsive community on issues of strategic importance that are considered contributory to peace and order,” said LDSPPO Director PCol. Robert S. Daculan.
Haribon Brigade Commander BGen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr. said their efforts to reintegrate and transform the FRs now have a solid foundation. He stated that previously, the efforts related to rehabilitating and reintegrating former violent extremists into the community were not comprehensive. However, with the MoA between OPAPRU and the province of Lanao del Sur, all branches of government and relevant agencies involved in the reintegration process will contribute towards the same objective, ensuring a more unified and effective approach to helping those who have strayed from the path.
To demonstrate their commitment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte Provincial Office paid 209 beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur for their first 10 days of emergency work under the TUPAD program at a daily rate of P361. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 provided relief supplies to these beneficiaries. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
