Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Monday handed out health insurance cards and scholarships to Muslims and their families in a visit to the country's conflict-wracked southern region. The social security benefits were part of a government programme called Sajahatra Bangsamoro that aims to provide basic services to members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "Our goal (is) to accelerate the transition of MILF communities steeped in armed struggle to a productive citizenry that buys into the national agenda," Aquino was quoted as saying by DPA. The 18-month programme was launched in a tightly guarded compound near the MILF's headquarters in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao province, 960 kilometres south of Manila. MILF fighters joined government soldiers in providing security for the event, where health insurance cards were given to 11,000 fighters and scholarships to 500 students. MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim said he welcomed "this sincere gesture of the government," but added "we caution all not to lose sight of the imperative and the challenges of the work ahead," specifically ongoing discussions on the creation of an autonomous Muslim region. In October, the MILF and the government signed a framework peace deal that included an agreement in principle for an autonomous region called Bangsamoro, or Muslim nation, to be established in Mindanao by 2016. The two sides have since been ironing out details on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and the disposition of MILF fighters. A comprehensive pact based on those details must be signed as soon as possible to ensure durable peace in Mindanao, Murad said. "Only when we achieve this can we truly be assured of real development not only in this region but also for this country," he said.
