DSWD expands workforce for decommissioned MILF fighters
Some of the 1,060 combatants of the MILF who have been decommissioned since September 2019 are aging warriors who dedicated their lives to fighting on the battlefields to attain Moro self-rule. (Photo by Bong Sarmiento, Inquirer Mindanao)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expanded its workforce to handle cases of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
In a statement on Thursday, the DSWD said the move is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and development initiatives in the region.
Prior to this, the DSWD’s Field Office 12 oversaw all decommissioned MILF fighters regardless of their location. However, the agency has delegated this responsibility to Field Offices 9 in the Zamboanga Peninsula and 10 in Northern Mindanao.
“Previously, the DSWD-12 was responsible for overseeing all MILF decommissioned combatants — regardless of their geographic location. However, after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, we recognized that a decentralized approach would be more sustainable,” DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay explained.
READ: MILF on next phase of decommissioning fighters: Resolve issues first
Article continues after this advertisementTanjusay also said the shift is part of preparations for a seamless implementation of the agency’s “recalibrated case management approach” for former rebels.
Article continues after this advertisement“The DSWD expects that with a more decentralized approach, we can ascertain that the government’s commitments and deliverables are closely monitored, and we can better facilitate the reintegration of our DCs (decommissioned combatants) into mainstream society,” he added.
According to Tanjusay, the recalibrated case management approach involves establishing regional offices in Regions 9 and 10, which will focus on monitoring the reintegration of decommissioned combatants.
“Aside from the turnover of case files, we also spearheaded training sessions for a total of 45 peace and development focals. We are making sure that they wouldn’t jump into their respective roles without fully understanding their duties and responsibilities,” he added.
READ: 12,000 decommissioned MILF combatants given cash aid, attended school
He noted that the hands-on training covered the use of the DSWD’s digital case management system designed to track the progress of MILF beneficiaries, document interventions, and streamline data management.
The training equipped participants, who will serve as case managers, with the skills to efficiently “input, retrieve, and report” beneficiary data and ensure smooth coordination among field offices, Tanjusay said.
