COTABATO CITY – In a remarkable display of unity and solidarity, members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered Wednesday to participate in a public consultation for a proposed measure that aims to establish an office dedicated to providing comprehensive support to MNLF and MILF veterans.
Under BTA Bill No. 44, the office will provide financial, medical, social, and other forms of assistance, in recognition of the sacrifices of the brave mujahideen and mujahidat who have fought for the cause of the Bangsamoro.The bill defines "Veteran Mujahideen" as members of the MILF and MNLF who are at least 55 years old as of the time of the measure's effectiveness and who had rendered revolutionary services in the protracted wars for self-determination between the Bangsamoro people and the national government for at least 20 years between 1969 and 2014.
The public consultations held simultaneously in the cities of Cotabato and Marawi brought together not only MNLF and MILF veterans but also mujahidat and their children, creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
Member of the Parliament Basit Abbas described the public consultation as a "historic event," with the MILF and MNLF uniting as one after coming from different factions. "This is very significant because we feel that both MNLF and MILF are united. We disregard our faction. We put aside our differences and work together for the interest of all mujahideen and mujahidat," Abbas added.
Abbas reiterated that “it became clear how important this bill is to the veterans who endured immense hardships and fought for the Bangsamoro people and future generations,”
Bangsamoro Parliament’s Social and Services Development Committee Chair Engr. Aida Silongan urged her fellow lawmakers to back the bill's immediate passage, emphasizing that "those who have truly sacrificed will be the main priority."
Ustadz Abdulwahid Tundok, commander of the MILF 118th Base Command, expressed his appreciation for the Bangsamoro Parliament, acknowledging that it is a long-awaited recognition of their sacrifices.
He emphasized the importance of establishing an office dedicated to meeting the various needs of MNLF and MILF veterans, including financial support for livelihood programs, medical assistance, social welfare programs, educational opportunities for their children, and psychological support for the traumas they endured.
He also asked his fellow mujahideen to have patience while the Bangsamoro government is in the transition period and building the foundation.
Rumina Malaguiok, wife of the renowned Tani Malaguiok Top 90 MNLF, passionately shared her experiences since 1970 from the front lines of the Bangsamoro struggle.
Maluiagok vividly described the difficult journey undertaken by the Bangsamoro fighters in their pursuit of peace and a brighter future for future generations as she recalled her days as a field medic in different areas in North Cotabato and Maguindanao. "To know that the government is considering an office to support veterans like us is a glimmer of hope. It shows that our efforts have not been in vain, and our contributions are being recognized," she said.
Jennatosalam Gayak, 26, a member of the MNLF youth sector in Midsayap, Special Geographic Area, whose parents are both mujahideen and mujahidat, feels overwhelmed at the chance of her parents' plight finally being recognized. She expresses her desire for the success of the law and prays that the benefits "will not just be words but will be put into action and given to the veterans who fought for the Bangsamoro."
Hundreds of MNLF and MILF members, both in Marawi and Cotabato City, actively engaged in the consultation process, raising concerns and suggestions to further enhance the proposed measure.
Some of the points raised during the consultation include the inclusion of veterans living outside BARMM, eligibility requirements for the program, the validation process of beneficiaries, educational assistance for the veteran’s children, and legal assistance for combatant cases, among others.
The bill gives priority to those who are less fortunate and lack employment opportunities due to their elderly status, lack of education, or other employment-related needs. Once approved, qualified recipients will receive a monthly financial allowance, free medical care at any hospitals, health centers, or other facilities supervised by the Ministry of Health, and be exempt from taxes, fees, and other charges imposed by the Bangsamoro Government.
The computation of financial requirements will be discussed in the committee, according to MP Raissa Jajurie. It will also establish and maintain an effective and reliable data-gathering and evaluation mechanism for determining and selecting qualified beneficiaries, as well as extend assistance to qualified beneficiaries, their spouses, and minor children.
The Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office will be placed under the operational supervision and control of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety as one of its component divisions. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
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