Photo by Tohamie Edzla/BIO
DAVAO CITY—In a significant stride towards embracing civilian life, more than 200 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders from the Bangsamoro region recently participated in a transformative series of short-course training sessions on peace and democracy.
The event, held in Davao City on May 19, marks a crucial milestone in the journey of these former combatants.
The second leg of the training welcomed 50 ex-combatants hailing from the Provinces of Lanao del Sur and del Norte, united by the visionary efforts of the Bangsamoro Government’s Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Anwar Alamada, Executive Director of PSRO, emphasized the immense importance of this training program, highlighting its relevance not only for the commanders themselves but also for all members transitioning into civilian life.
“The immediate fruit of this is we can sustain the peaceful solution to various challenges we face on the ground. The prevailing one is the conflict in the community,” said Alamada.
He stressed the need for comprehensive knowledge and skills acquisition in order to effectively navigate this critical phase.
Crucially, the establishment of the School of Peace and Democracy (SPD) serves as a cornerstone of support for the transformation and transition of MILF cadre members towards peaceful and active political participation.
By equipping them with the necessary tools and insights, this initiative aims to foster sustainable and peaceful solutions to the various challenges faced on the ground, particularly within communities affected by conflict.
Reflecting on the training, Maliksaif Mimbantas, one of the participants, acknowledged the tremendous value of the course.
“Ang natutunan namin sa training na ito ay napakahalaga ipamahagi sa mga kasamahan namin sa baba para ma-educate din tungkol sa ating kasaysayan at ang peace process,” Mimbantas said.
Noel Pedrola, Program Analyst for the UNDP Peace and Stabilization Team, commended the participants’ unwavering commitment and profound dedication in both the first and second phases of the training, despite the challenges encountered along the way.
This resolute engagement showcases their strong resolve to effect positive change within their communities.
The peace and democracy training program consisted of two phases, each comprising four batches with 50 participants in each batch.
Over the course of its implementation, a total of 250 MILF commanders have participated, underscoring the immense reach and impact of this transformative initiative.
As BARMM strides forward in its pursuit of lasting peace and democratic values, the participation of former combatant commanders in this training represents a monumental step towards their integration into civilian society.
By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, this initiative aims to empower these former combatants as they actively engage in building a brighter and more harmonious future. (Majid Nur/BIO)
