Ex-MILF fighters to get cash assistance
GENERAL SANTOS CITY: All former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will receive a monthly cash allowance of P7,000 based on the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 57, or the “Bangsamoro Mujahideen Under Special Circumstance Act of 2024.”
The beneficiaries will receive a lump sum of P84,000 for the first year of implementation. It was approved by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament on February 26.
The combatants who are senior citizens and permanently disabled who participated in the struggle for the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro People between 1969 and 2014 for at least 20 years will also benefit from the act.
Member of Parliament Michael Midtimbang, who delivered his speech during the enactment of the legislation, described the enactment as a moral and ethical obligation of the government in recognizing the Mujahideen’s sacrifices and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported and approved the legislation.
He said that MILF elders still continue their jihad (sacrifice) by guiding young Bangsamoro through discipline and mentoring about the sacrifices and contributions of the Mujahideen forces during the armed struggle in the region and their role in sustaining the gains of the peace process for a better future.
Mujahideen, Midtimbang explained, is an Arabic term that refers to people who engage in jihad and interpreted in a jurisprudence of Islam as the fight on behalf of Allah, the religion of Islam or the community.
“The Bangsamoro Mujahideen had been at the forefront of the struggle for self-determination and peace, so I believe that is our moral and ethical obligation as government officials to recognize their sacrifices and contributions by providing them the support,” said Midtimbang.
The act has institutionalized support for senior citizens and permanently disabled Mujahideen of the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through the establishment of the Office of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen Under Special Circumstance under the Office of the Chief Minister to ensure streamlined processes for the provision of financial assistance.
This historic legislation holds utmost significance as it underscores the commitment of the current government to the well-being of the former combatants who served as the backbone of the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.
“This provision of tangible support serves as a recognition of the decadeslong bravery of every Mujahideen and exemplifies the unwavering dedication of the Government of the Day to uphold the gains of the peace process,” added Midtimbang.