THE Katilingbanong Pamahandi Sa Mindanaw Foundation Incorporated (KPMFI) and 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) have teamed up and provided livelihood assistance support to 69 former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Basilan province, the military said Friday, May 30, 2025.
The 45IB said the livelihood assistance was turned over on Wednesday, May 28, in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan to the identified beneficiaries under the Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Action towards Resilience and Empowerment (AS2G-Care) Program.
The AS2G-Care program is a vital part of a broader strategy to ensure the successful reintegration and inclusion of ASG returnees and their families, focusing on addressing their economic needs and fostering resilience.
The 45IB said the program does not only provides livelihood support, but also fosters initiatives aimed at preventing and transforming violent extremism by building trust, strengthening relationships, and promoting sustainable peace within Basilan province.
"Through promoting partnerships between former combatants, local governments, and various stakeholders, it ensures a holistic approach to peace-building, normalization, and socio-economic development by providing necessary tools that helps support their livelihood and boost their confidence in socio-economic activities," the 45IB said in a statement.
The turnover of livelihood assistance to the 69 former ASG members was witnessed by officials and representatives of KPMFI, military, and from the municipal governments of Ungkaya Pukan, Al-Barka, and Tipo-Tipo.
The KPMFI is a recognized non-government organization (NGO) based in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. (SunStar Zamboanga)