Cagayan de Oro: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) will assume responsibility for managing decommissioned combatants (DCs) from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This change is part of a broader strategy to decentralize the management of these former combatants across multiple regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-10, along with offices in Regions 9 (Western Mindanao) and 12 (Soccsksargen), formalized this new management structure by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday. The signing was supervised by DSWD Undersecretary Alan Tanhusay and Assistant Secretary Arnel Garcia.

Previously, the responsibility for overseeing all MILF DCs was centralized under DSWD-12. However, officials believe that a decentralized approach will lead to more sustainable management practices. “The management of MILF DCs will now be assumed by DSWD field offices 9 and 10,” a statement from the department confirmed.

The decommissioned combatants are part of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, a peace agreement aimed at resolving conflicts in the region. The shift in management responsibilities is in line with ongoing efforts to provide case management for former members of non-state armed groups.