EX-BIFF REBELS GET LIVELIHOOD AID

A total of 177 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who earlier surrendered to the Army in Maguindanao have received livelihood aid from the provincial government, according to a PNA report.

Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Big Gen. Jose Narciso, 6th Infantry Division assistant division commander, who represented 6th Infantry Division chief, Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, led Wednesday afternoon the distribution of assistance at the provincial capitol grounds in Buluan town.

Beneficiaries were given 40 tricycles, 12 farm tractors, 13 motorized bangkas (outrigger boats), and 131 farm supplies.

“Make good use of the assistance given you on your life with your families,” Mangudadatu said, adding that more livelihood packages are underway for the former rebels.

Narciso, for his part, said another group of Moro extremists is undergoing an integration process for their formal surrender to the government. “It is encouraging to note that more BIFF members are abandoning their futile cause to restart their lives anew,” he said.

The governor also turned over six utility vehicles to the Department of Education in Maguindanao, and 10 rescue vehicles for selected barangays.

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