By Lou Ellen Antonio

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte (PIA) --The Department of Labor and Employment Lanao del Norte (DOLE) and the local government of Munai through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) pledged support to offer a fresh start for a 14-year-old former member of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG).

Known as alias “Akki”, the former child member is said to have joined in encounters in Lanao del Sur. He recently surrendered to the folds of the law and turned over his caliber 45 and caliber 7.62 homemade barret to the Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion.

Criste Perfecto of DOLE Lanao del Norte said that their office is committed to providing support to the child. She emphasized that the convergence of government agencies plays a vital role in maintaining peace and order in the community.  

I do believe that one of the reasons why there is a convergence of our government agencies is because we really want to help those who want to go back to the government. Of course, with the endorsement of 4th Mech, I'm sure we have done that already and we will continue to have our partnership also so that we can assure peace and order,” she said.

Perfecto said that peace and order will boost economic activity, making the community prosperous and hindering people from engaging in rebellions.

Meanwhile, MSWDO will also conduct an assessment of the needs of the child and his family to support them start anew.

“(Nandito) ang LGU para i-assess kung ano ang maibibigay namin na tulong sa pamilya ng ating surrenderee. Priority din namin yung mga malalayong barangay, kung ano yung mga ways na maitutulong namin sa ating mga mamamayan doon,” said Munai Mayor Racma Andamama.

[The LGU is here to assess what assistance we can provide to the family of our surrenderee. We also prioritize the remote barangays, what are the ways we can help our people there.]

Moreover, Kalasag Battalion commander LtCol. Joseph Marlon Famoso said that the military is committed to eliminating the enemies of the state through negotiation if not in combat operations. He also called on the members and supporters of DI-MG to return to the folds of the law since the government has programs for them. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Norte)