SULU — Some thirty (30) widows of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members from the province of Sulu each received Php15,000 cash assistance from the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS).
MPOS on August 16-18 conducted the cash distribution, as well as a capacity building workshop and listening sessions for the widows.
This initiative aimed to help the beneficiaries redeem their self-esteem as they still experience stigma and discrimination despite no longer being connected with the local terror group. The cash aid will serve as their capital to help them start their own businesses.
MPOS Peace Program Officer Sittie Janine Gamao emphasized that the Ministry will surely find ways to break the stigma and help the widows reintegrate with the community.
“The three-day listening session was so emotional. There are still people in the community who drive them (widows) away even though they are no longer associated with the ASG,” Gamao said in an interview.
The beneficiaries are from the municipalities of Indanan, Patikul, Caluang, Talipao, Parang, and others.
“What we want is to help them empower themselves, integrate with the community, and live normally,” Gamao emphasized.
MPOS looks forward to continuing the program and seeks the support of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) members.
“We really hope that more BTA Parliament Members will support the program, through their TDIF (Transitional Development Impact Fund), so we can help more vulnerable ASG widows,” Gamao said.
MPOS will conduct a wider profiling to help more beneficiaries. (Bangsamoro Information Office/Photo courtesy of MPOS)
