From Moro rebels to humanitarian workers

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – For some former armed combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), transitioning into humanitarian workers, even helping out in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao’s relief mission to Batangas for the Taal victims, was a pleasant surprise.

“It’s hard to express the feeling. We’re so elated of this transformation we’re experiencing now,” said Muhalidin Guialil, a former squad commander under the Task Force Ittihad, the MILF’s unit in charge of settling disputes among members, and dealing with splinter groups.

Guialil was with five other battle-tested MILF warriors in BARMM’s “Tabang” outreach mission only a few days ago, wherein the regional government sent P2-million worth of relief items to Batangas for the needy victims of the volcanic eruption.

“Had we not reached into a peace agreement, we could not experience this life—the dignity and pride of doing service to our kababayans,” said Guialil, 40, who is now savoring civilian life with his wife and three children.

He said there is no more fear now, of hiding from military operatives, as compared to the days when they were still fighting government troops.

Guialil now heads the “Bantay Tulay” volunteers,

DCCCII president John Tria, DTI XI regional director Maria Belenda Ambi, DTI Usec. Rafaelita Aldaba, USAID supervisory education development officer Thomas Le Blanc, CHED XI regional director Maricar Casquejo, and other signatories show the signed memorandum of understanding on the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center held at Pinnacle Hotel on Wednesday. BING GONZALES