CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF combatants will expect the service provided by the Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmalasakit or TUGON program.
Ministry of Interior and Local Government Marvin Mokamad MILG Internal Affairs Services of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said that through the TUGON program, the converted former BIFF combatants will be subjected to profiling.
After that they will be given investments in the business or livelihood they want to grow and housing worth P650,000.
Mokamad made the statement during the presentation of thirteen victims of terrorist ideology and circumstances held at the Headquarters of the 1st Brigade Combat Team located in Brgy. Pigcalagan in the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao this October 19th.
It aims to further encourage other victims of terrorist ideology and circumstances to return to the government.
“We want you to feel the presence of the government through the TUGON program”, said Mr. Mokamad.
Various chief executives and stakeholders supported the said program.
It is known that the thirteen victims of wrong ideology were presented to 1BCT Commander Colonel Leodivic Guinid together with the mayors and their representatives in the said ceremony.
Of the said number, 7 are from Midsayap, North Cotabato; 2 in Datu Salibo, 2 in Datu Unsay and 2 in Mamasapano all in Maguindanao.
They also surrendered twelve different high weapons they were carrying which included: one 60mm mortar, three 7.62 Sniper Rifles, three 40mm M203, two 5.56 mm M16A1, one Cal. 50 Barrett, a Cal. 30 M1 Garand and a pistol Cal. 45 as a symbol of their complete abandonment of the former armed struggle.
Among those who attended were Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan; Sultan Mastura Mayor Bong Panda; Mr. Justine Egualan as the representative of Mayor Angel Rose Cuan of Libungan; Mr. Unson Demaguil deputy of Datu Salibo Mayor Solaiman Sandigan.
Also expressing their support were Police Colonel Jeffrey Fernandez, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO-BAR; Mrs. Sitti Janine Gamao of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) and other guests.
Major General Roy Galido, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Army) Division and Joint Task Force Central said that the laying down of arms and abandoning the armed struggle is a great symbol of giving the opportunity for peace to prevail in our area. “I am happy with the decision of our brothers who are victims of wrong ideology in this good step. Thank you also for the support of the local government as our partner in spreading peace and prosperity in this part of Mindanao”, stated MGen. Galido.
