The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has decided to return a PHP658 million budget to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). This budget was initially set aside by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for the fourth phase of the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants. The funds were meant to support socio-economic programs for these combatants as part of the normalization efforts outlined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay explained that the decision to return the funds stemmed from delays in finalizing the list of beneficiaries for this phase. He emphasized that both the DSWD and OPAPRU agreed on this course of action to adhere to audit regulations and ensure responsible use of public funds.
As a member of the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Communities, the DSWD is responsible for providing assistance packages to decommissioned combatants and their families. These packages include cash grants, livelihood grants, and skills training endorsements. However, without the official list of beneficiaries from OPAPRU, the DSWD could not proceed with the planned assistance.
Tanjusay expressed hope that the necessary documents and beneficiary lists would be provided promptly in 2025, allowing for smooth fund releases in future phases of the decommissioning process. He reaffirmed the DSWD’s commitment to the peace process and the successful implementation of the normalization program, underscoring the government’s dedication to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The normalization track under the CAB, signed in 2014, aims to decommission a total of 40,000 MILF combatants over five phases. The first three phases have been completed, and the fourth and fifth phases are set to decommission an additional 14,000 combatants, facilitating their reintegration into society.