The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) said on Saturday, June 27, that it has transferred infrastructure and financial assistance to former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants and their families in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) to advance the government’s peace initiatives in conflict-affected areas.

OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento led the delivery of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects and Educational Assistance Program (EAP) grants to the ZamBaSulTa communities from June 21 to 22 in support of the government’s commitment to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).

In Tuburan, Basilan, Sarmiento turned over a communal water system to Barangay Lahi-Lahi and a multi-purpose building to Barangay Tablas-Usew. The P60-million investment aims to replace the scarcity of resources that once characterized these conflict-affected areas.

“We have proven that when there is unity and cooperation, we can ensure that peace will pave the way for progress,” Sarmiento said. “This is to provide them with a better and safer source of water for a healthier and more comfortable life.”

MNLF Commander Habirin Jalil, of Barangay Lahi-Lahi, noted that residents previously depended on seawater for their needs, boiling it to make it drinkable. The new water system now serves as a lifeline for the village.

Meanwhile, the multi-purpose building in Barangay Tablas-Usew is expected to serve as a hub for community programs. Barangay Chairperson Amin Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the national government and pledged that the facility would be maintained by the local government.

“This is a valuable project that will be shared in our barangay for many years to come,” he said. “The building will be used responsibly and shared as a venue for community activities. Meetings, programs, activities, and services will benefit everyone.”

Further, Sarmiento visited Tawi-Tawi on June 22 and distributed financial aid to EAP beneficiaries, who are the children and relatives of MNLF members.

Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali thanked the OPAPRU for the assistance, saying: “We believe that investing in peace means investing in the future and uplifting the lives of our MNLF brothers, their families, and their communities.”

In Patikul, Sulu, Sarmiento and Mayor Kabir Elias Hayudini broke ground for four more water systems worth P40 million which will benefit residents in Barangays Kabbon Takas, Anuling, Langhub, and Pansul, where people displaced by conflict are rebuilding under the Balik-Barangay Program.

“Having enough and clean water is a basic need and right of every citizen. As clean water flows into every home, every family’s life will become more comfortable and new hope will flow into the communities. This is the true symbol of development and positive peace,” Sarmiento said.

The visit ended with a consultation between Sulu officials and the MNLF Peace Implementing Committee led by MNLF founder Nur Misuari, where both parties discussed the fulfillment of remaining FPA commitments.