COTABATO CITY –Former members of the rebel Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who earlier surrendered to the Army in Maguindanao have received livelihood aid from the provincial government.
Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Big Gen. Jose Narciso, 6th Infantry Division assistant division commander, who represented 6th Infantry Division chief, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, led Wednesday afternoon the distribution of assistance to the 177 former rebels at the provincial capitol grounds in Buluan town.
They were provided 40 tricycles, 12 farm tractors, 13 motorized outrigger bancas, and various farm supplies. “Make good use of the assistance given you on your life with your families,” Mangudadatu told them, adding more livelihood assistance will come their way.
BGen. Narciso, for his part, said another group of Moro extremists is undergoing an integration process for their formal surrender to the government. “It is encouraging to note that more BIFF members are abandoning their futile cause to restart their lives anew,” he said.
Mangundadatu also turned over six utility vehicles to the Department of Education in Maguindanao, and 10 rescue vehicles for selected barangays.