“Because of the strong will and clear desire of the government under President Duterte to realize genuine peace and sustainable progress in the Bangsamoro, genuine responses and clear dialogues between stakeholders have become possible. As such, the undertakings of the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism for Normalization (ICCMN) have proactively contributed to building peace in our beloved country.”
This was the statement of Acting Cabinet Secretary Melvin A. Matibag during the 8th ICCMN Meeting on June 22, 2022 at the Mabini Hall, Malacañang.
According to the report presented during the meeting, from the baseline of 145 decommissioned combatants in 2016, there are currently 19,345 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants decommissioned and processed for general intake under the Phase 1 to 3 of Program for Normalization in the Bangsamoro.
As a member of the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Communities (TFDCC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) facilitated the basic profiling of the turned over forces to assess their socioeconomic situation and referred them to appropriate government agencies for interventions.
A total amount of P2.6 billion has been allocated and utilized to execute projects for the socioeconomic of the decommissioned combatants, their communities, and the six camps.
Through Executive Order 79, the ICCMN Socioeconomic Development Subcluster had mobilized and engaged fifteen national government agencies including DSWD, PHIC, PSA, MBHTE-BARMM (regional counterpart of CHED, DepEd and TESDA), DOLE, DTI, DA, DOH, MOH-BARMM, NIA, NHA, NEA, DILG) mandated to implement identified programs on social protection, capacity development, livelihood, and infrastructure.
Last June 15, ICCMN launched two projects funded by the European Union, and co-funded by Australia, The Asian Foundation, UNDP, and MISEREOR namely the Access to Legal Identity and Social Services for Decommissioned Combatants (ALIAS DC) and the Programme on Assistance for Camp Transformation through Inclusion, Violence Prevention and Economic Empowerment (PROACTIVE).
Matibag said the ICCMN’s milestones, especially the consistent deliberate efforts towards the development of a strong cooperation between the Bangsamoro and the National Government, have undoubtedly strengthened the foundation to rebuild the country’s fragile peace in the past six years.
As the new administration assumes office, CabSec Matibag hopes for them to consider expanding the gains of ICCMN, noting that peace, security, and the protection of every Filipino must be ensured.
“For the remaining days under President Duterte’s term, we must continue to work and ensure proper turn-over so that the remaining activities for the rest of 2022 may be implemented smoothly under the direction of the new leadership. Even beyond June 30, I am sure we will not mind offering our helping hands,” Matibag said.
Present during the ICCMN meeting were OPAPRU Secretary Charlie Galvez, DND USec. Cesar Yano, DILG ASec. Alexander Macario, DICT ASec. Vicente Cejoco, DOH USec. Abdullah Dumama Jr., OPAPRU USec. David Diciano and ASec. Wilben Mayor, MINDA Sec. Maria Belen Acosta and USec. Janet Lopoz, and DTI USec. Ameenah Fajardo. (PR)
– ag
