09 December 2023 – PARANG, MINDANAO. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RSSO BARMM) attended the Opening Program for the Verification and Socio-Economic Profile of MNLF Combatants of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Cotabato City through the MNLF Transformation Program. The event took place at Bigkis Lahi, PRO BAR, Camp Brigadier General Salipada K. Pendatun, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. The same event was also conducted in Lamitan City, Basilan on 30 September 2023 and in Camp Ranao, Marawi City on 11 November 2023.
MNLF Transformation Program is a realization of the government’s commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. The program comprises of four major components: security, socio-economic development, confidence building, and community healing and reconciliation. The MNLF Transformation Program aims to facilitate the transition of MNLF members, especially those not integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Final Peace Agreement (FPA), as well as their families, into peaceful and productive civilian life.
The event was graced by the presence of Datu Nashrullah Imam,Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer; Bai Hejra Neferetiti M. Limbona, Chancellor, Mindanao State University, Maguindanao; Colonel Jose Ambrocio F. Rustia, Assistant Division Commander for Retirees and Reservist Affairs - PRO-BAR; Uttos Salem Cutan, Chairperson of the MNLF Management Committee; and Jordan S. Bayam, Executive Director for Bangsamoro Special Concerns - OPAPRU. On the other hand, the PSA played a significant role in the verification and socio-economic assessment and profiling of MNLF combatants across the BARMM region.
PSA Officer-in-Charge-Regional Director (OIC-RD), Engr. Akan G. Tula, commended the effort of OPAPRU and its development partners for paving the way for the transformational endeavor for the combatants. “Your unwavering commitment to fostering peace is transforming lives in Basilan, Lanao Del Sur, and now, in Maguindanao. The resilience of these communities is mirrored in the dedication of the team, and together, you are shaping a future marked by understanding, harmony, and prosperity,” highlighted by OIC-RD Tula. “Remember that your work reaches far beyond policy and paperwork—it touches the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. Your dedication is weaving a tapestry of positive change, and we stand with you in solidarity,” OIC-RD Tula further emphasized.
Under the socio-economic component, MNLF combatants, their families and communities will receive assistance such as social protection consisting of immediate financial cash assistance, health insurance (PhilHealth), civil registration assistance and special assistance (combatants and their families with disabilities).RD Tula expressed unwavering support and dedication to providing the services offered by the office for the betterment of MNLF decommissioned combatants as they embark on their journey to civilian life.
ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
