In a significant shift of responsibility, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) has stepped up to manage decommissioned combatants from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This change was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed on Monday, involving DSWD-10 along with offices in Regions 9 and 12. The signing was overseen by DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanhusay and Assistant Secretary Arnel Garcia. Previously, the task of overseeing all MILF decommissioned combatants was handled solely by DSWD-12. However, officials have now embraced a more decentralized strategy, believing it to be more sustainable in the long run. ‘The management of MILF decommissioned combatants will now be handled by DSWD field offices 9 and 10,’ according to an official statement. This move is part of the broader Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and aligns with ongoing efforts to manage former members of non-state armed groups.
