UNDP launches peace program in Basilan

BASILAN - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines has launched Friday the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advanced Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) project in the southern Basilan province, the military’s Western Mindanao Command said.

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows government officials led by Defense Chuef Gilberto Teodoro attend the Friday launching of the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advanced Human Security in BARMM being implemented by United Nations Development Programme Philippines. 

The launching of the project coincided with the last day of the government profiling of 559 former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels which began on September 30.

The ASPIRE project is funded and supported by Japan which aims to promote the decommissioning and normalization aspects of the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) by addressing the challenge of small arms and light weapons in the hands of former rebels and members of the private armed groups and provide them socio-economic support.

“The collaboration and commitment of all the participating agencies of the project will eventually uplift and alleviate the way of life of brothers and sisters who were once lost but are now walking with us on the path toward lasting peace and sustainable development,” Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said.

The ceremony was attended by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.; Secretary Ernesto Lagdameo, Jr., Special Assistant to the President; Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo, chief of the Western Mindanao Command; Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman and local government officials.

The government verification and profiling process is part of the so-called MNLF Transformation Program which is anchored on the provisions of the 1996 peace accord between the MNLF under Nur Misuari and the national government. It aims to facilitate the transition of former rebels, especially those who were not integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, as well as their families into peaceful and productive civilians.

Those who underwent the profiling process were also given financial aid. The funds for the project are sourced under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan which was launched in 2011 as a priority program of the national government in support of the peace process.

The MNLF Transformation Program in Basilan was just the first of the series of programs to be implemented in the 25 priority communities of the MNLF in Mindanao. Aside from Basilan, the profiling will also be conducted in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City. (Mindanao Examiner)