Malacañang expressed regret over the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) decision to postpone the decommissioning of what would have been the final batch of its combatants.

“Nakakalungkot po na balita iyan dahil alam naman po natin na ang gobyerno po ay talagang naglalaan ng pondo para sa magandang kinabukasan ng mga nagnanais na bumalik at magkaroon ng normal na buhay,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Castro said the government had alloted P100,000 cash assistance for each decommissioned MILF combatant, and more than Php4 billion for socio-economic programs.

She said the government would seek further dialogue with the MILF. The government is ready to present its report on efforts to reintegrate previously decommissioned combatants into society, Castro added.

“Makikipag-usap po ng mas masinsinan para po mas maging maganda ang resulta,” Castro said.

On Thursday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) said the MILF Central Committee postponed the decommissioning of 14,000 combatants and 2,450 firearms after claiming that the government has not delivered substantially on its socioeconomic commitments.

The OPAPRU reiterated the government’s sincerity in its commitment to the Comprehensive Agreement in the Bangsamoro, as shown by the significant accomplishments made in the normalization and political tracks of the peace agreement.

The OPAPRU stressed the need for the MILF to undergo the final phase of the decommissioning.

“In the spirit of continued partnership, we formally invite our partners in the MILF leadership to reaffirm our shared vision: a BARMM free of armed groups and illegal firearms, where the rule of law prevails and peace reigns,” OPAPRU said.

“This is our joint commitment to fulfilling the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” it added. | PND