MNLF ALLOWS VERIFICATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILING of FORMER COMBATANTS IN SULU
Sulu, Philippines – Prospects are significantly improving for former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants in Sulu as the national government steps up its provision of socioeconomic assistance. This follows the successful completion of a comprehensive socioeconomic profiling of over 400 MNLF members, conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) from June 24-28, 2025, under its MNLF Transformation Program.
The initiative saw OPAPRU collaborate with various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Integrated Provincial Health Office, rural health offices, and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to facilitate initial interventions. Security for the profiling process was jointly managed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the MNLF. Academic institutions such as Mindanao State University-Sulu and General Santos campuses, and Sulu State College, played a crucial role in the socioeconomic profiling itself.
Each profiled beneficiary received Php 45,000 in Transitional Cash Assistance from the DSWD, with the agency disbursing a total of Php 20,610,000 to all combatants. Beyond financial aid, qualified MNLF members also received rice provisions from the OPAPRU, PhilHealth coverage, and civil registration assistance from the PSA.
During the closing ceremony, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez underscored the Marcos Administration’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling all government obligations under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. “We continue our cooperation with the MNLF leadership to ensure the start of the transformation and development of every MNLF combatant, their families, and communities, especially here in Sulu,” Galvez affirmed.
Creating Livelihood Opportunities
The socioeconomic profiling is a core component of the MNLF Transformation Program, designed to empower MNLF members, their families, and communities toward self-reliance and productivity. This crucial step gathers vital data to assess their socioeconomic status, thereby enabling access to enhanced livelihood opportunities.
Alisher Usman, barangay chairperson of Kaunayan, Patikul, and a representative of the MNLF-Sulu, expressed profound gratitude to OPAPRU and its partners for the assistance provided. The Transformation Program, launched by OPAPRU in 2023, is a key commitment under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. To date, 2,000 MNLF combatants in Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, North Cotabato, and Cotabato City have been profiled, with a total of Php 90,000,000 in Transitional Cash Assistance already released.
MNLF Transformation in Sulu
In 2025, the program also saw the documentation of 537 MNLF-owned firearms in Patikul and Talipao municipalities. With 458 MNLF members having completed socioeconomic profiling, OPAPRU, through its MNLF Peace Process Office, plans to implement the second phase of profiling in Sulu within the year.
Representatives from various implementing partners, including the Integrated Local Health Insurance Office – Sulu, PSA – BARMM, DSWD – Field Office IX, Sulu Police Provincial Office, Mindanao State University – Sulu, and the 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division, Philippine Army, expressed their gratitude to the initial batch of MNLF combatants and their communities for their patience and cooperation.
Dr. Reynaldo Pescadera III, Medical Coordinator at IPHO, reiterated that their 19 regional health units are ready to cater to the health needs of MNLF combatants and their families. Mr. Delson Yusof, Registration Officer V at PSA – BARMM Regional Office, commended OPAPRU and the security sector, calling the program’s implementation in Sulu a “testament to the collaborative spirit” of all stakeholders.
Ms. Annie Lilibeth Jimeno, DSWD Field Office IX Focal for the Transformation Program, described the socioeconomic profiling as “more than just a process,” but rather “a journey of healing and hope” towards “peace, dignity, and shared progress.”
Dr. Charisma Ututalum, president of Sulu State College and host of the profiling process, lauded the successful rollout, highlighting her institution’s five-year partnership with the peace agency that culminated in this full implementation. Hji. Nagder J. Abdurahman, chancellor of Mindanao State University – Sulu, urged MNLF elders to encourage youth to pursue educational opportunities.
Full Support of Security Sector
The security sector, represented by MGen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and PCol. Jeff B. Uy, provincial director of the Sulu Police Provincial Office, reaffirmed their continued support and commitment to ensuring peace and security. They also called on MNLF combatants to fully support peacebuilding efforts.
With the program’s success in Sulu, Alisher Usman reiterated the MNLF’s unwavering commitment to the GPH-MNLF peace process, stating, “We believe that this initiative is crucial for creating a more harmonious and prosperous community. We stand behind efforts that promote stability, growth, and unity, and we are committed to contributing in any way we can.”
Mario J. Aguja, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities of MSU-General Santos and a member of the GPH Management Committee, confirmed that OPAPRU aims to complete the profiling of the remaining 167 MNLF members in Sulu within the year.
