BARIRA, Maguindanao del Norte—Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their communities benefited from different government services during a two-day Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) caravan held simultaneously in two MILF camps from August 1 to 2, 2024.
In Barira, just a few meters from former MILF’s stronghold Camp Abubakar—now serves as the headquarters of the 1st Marine Brigade— thousands of residents availed of various services like medical care, agriculture support, social services, and advocacy campaign, among others.
Meanwhile, Camp Rajahmuda in Ligawasan Municipality focused on providing relief assistance to those affected by recent flooding, which affected thousands of residents in the Bangsamoro region.
Fifty-seven-year-old Salumbai Dilagen of Buldon municipality, one of the over 1000 individuals who registered in the health insurance, shared that despite the large crowd and long lines, she patiently waited for her turn for the PhilHealth registration.
“Considering the exorbitant expenses of hospitalization nowadays, having PhilHealth is really necessary,” Dilagen said in Filipino.
She explained that although she wishes not to need the health insurance anytime soon, it is wise to be prepared when the time comes.
ICCMN was created through Executive Order No. 79 (S. 2019), entitled “Implementing the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.” It is mandated to ensure timely, appropriate and efficient delivery of the Normalization Program.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Office of the President are co-chairpersons of the ICCMN through Executive Order No. 6 (S. 2022), which amended the composition of the ICCMN.
OPAPRU Director Wendell Orbeso, who delivered the message of Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., during the opening program in Camp Abubakar, said that “the caravan stands as a powerful testament to the strength the collective spirit and the profound resilience of the Bangsamoro people.”
“It is more than just a symbol of progress; it is a beacon of hope illuminating our shared path towards a future where every person can thrive,” he added.
The caravan in Barangay Tugaig was the first in a series of activities that seek to bring essential social services closer to decommissioned MILF combatants and communities in the previously government-acknowledged MILF camps, including Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, Cotabato Province; Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte; Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur; Camp Omar in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur; and Camp Badre in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
