ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao — through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government in Sulu province — recently distributed the unclaimed cash assistance to the 22 former Abu Sayyaf Group members in the province.

MILG-Sulu, in collaboration with the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division, provided financial assistance to the former ASG members in Camp Bautista in Jolo, Sulu and the financial help was drawn from the Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit program.

Each former ASG received P5,000 cash assistance, a sack of rice and a food pack was extended to the former ASG as part of the government's continuing commitment and efforts under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Project TUGON program manager Jaber Macacua said that they aim to facilitate the return of former ASG gunmen to the mainstream of society and become productive citizens of the Bangsamoro community by providing them interventions to uplift their lives.

"We are providing support for your needs through Project TUGON. Take this opportunity to create and change your future. We assure you that this will not be the last," Macacua said.

"Next year we will be providing livelihood programs as part of the sustainment efforts of the government," he added.