BIFF returnees included in re-integration program

COTABATO CITY --- Surrenderers from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are included in the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) re-integration program of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Last April 17,, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the launching of the program in Isabela City, Basilan, with at least 139 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) initially benefiting from the program.

Specifically, the PAVE package is the regional government's first model program in providing various interventions to former (ASG) members, who surrendered to the government, and their families.

Hataman added though that the scheme also caters to BIFF returnees.

The ARMM covers the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur in its area of jurisdiction.

Hataman noted that the PAVE program is recognized by the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC), and will officially be part of the national government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) reintegration program that aims to  achieve permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state groups.

The PAVE’s core principles are to bridge social gaps, balance the military and non-military offensives, and attain justice.

Hataman said after being processed by the local government units (LGUs) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the surrendering Abu Sayyaf and BIFF members will be endorsed to the regional government for the required psycho-social, economic, educational, and spiritual interventions.

"(And) we will allow them to live as normal and productive citizens in their communities and they will be the advocates for peace against violent extremism," the governor said, adding that the cycle of violence must end.

The returnees will automatically be recipients of the regional government's banner programs --- ARMM's Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (ARMM-HELPS) and ARMM's Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development with Growth and Equity.

"We make sure that surrendering Abu Sayyaf members with pending cases would not be beneficiaries of this program,” Hataman stressed.

The PAVE will also be launched in the provinces of Sulu and Tawi-tawi that have 61 and 23 surrenderees, respectively. Only recently, four BIFF members also surrendered in Maguindanao. (Noel Punzalan, PNA - Cotabato)