Former MNLF rebels get cash assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday said a total of 409 former combatants from the Moro National Liberation Front had received financial aid under the cash-for-work (CFW) program last 10 December 2024.

The recipients of the cash grants were decommissioned combatants from Regions 10-Northern Mindanao and 12-SOCCSKSARGEN who had successfully engaged in CFW activities at community gardens in their respective localities.

DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPC) Alan Tanjusay, with officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Philippine Army, led the Northern Mindanao payout cluster in Marawi City, where a total of 227 former combatants from Lanao del Sur areas received P9,000 each.

The ISPC undersecretary encouraged the recipients to use the cash grants responsibly and to continue contributing to the government’s peace-building initiatives, particularly in conflict-vulnerable and affected communities.

Meanwhile, ISPC Assistant Secretary Arnel Garcia and Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa head Sohra Guialel led the DSWD Field Office 12-SOCCSKSARGEN’s payout to 182 ex-combatants.

Each beneficiary from Cotabato received P10,881 in cash aid, while beneficiaries from the Special Geographic Areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao received P9,072 each.