Govt gives Basilan, Zambo Sibugay cash-for-work program P12M

The Aquino administration has allotted P12 million in aid money to the people of Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay who were affected by the recent clashes between bandits and government troops. At a press briefing Friday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman gave Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar P2 million under the province’s cash-for-work program. Earlier Friday, Soliman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles had a fruitful meeting with the peace and order council in Basilan, said Lacierda. Deles, Robredo and Soliman are now on their way to meet the Zamboanga Sibugay peace and order council. President Benigno Aquino III ordered the three Cabinet officials to visit the two provinces and assess the situation in those areas. Soliman will give P10 million to the province, or P2 million for each of the five municipalities — also for the cash for food program, Lacierda said. Pursuing the bandits “What would cash for work involve? It would involve… in Tagalog… let me just say naglilinis at mag-aayos ng communities. They will also be rebuilding community structures that were damaged," he said. “They are also facilitating the quick return of displaced families to their places of origin ensuring primarily through DSWD and LGUs that their needs are met. That’s the reason why we have provided cash for work program and also the relief assistance," he said. The three Cabinet officials will also be meeting with the local government units and other stakeholders “to get them onboard and facilitate their participation in the national government’s effort for peace and development in Mindanao." The Aquino administration is upholding the peace process and the ceasefire mechanisms are working and will be strengthened when necessary, according to the Palace official. Still, government will continue to pursue the bandits in the areas, Lacierda noted. “Again, this is not about the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), these are the lawless elements that we are pursuing in those areas," he said. — VS, GMA News