COTABATO CITY —A measure creating the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office, which will cater to the needs of the underprivileged “veteran mujahideen” or those who fought for the Bangsamoro’s long-sought autonomy is now up on second reading.

Engr. Aida Silongan introduced Parliament Bill No. 25, also known as the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Act, before the plenary.

Both Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants aged 70 and older are eligible for financial, medical, social, and other support under the proposed measure.

Veteran mujahideen, as defined by the bill, are MILF and MNLF who took part in the “protracted wars for self-determination between the Bangsamoro people and the National Government.”

According to Section 12 of the proposed legislation, a veteran would be entitled to a monthly cash allowance of P6,000, exemption from Bangsamoro-imposed taxes, and discounts on basic utility bills such as electricity and water. They are also eligible to free medical services from health institutions and hospitals linked with the BARMM Ministry of Health.

Veteran Mujahideen who can avail themselves of the benefits are those who have been unable to find work due to their age, lack of required education or other requirements for employment.

“The enactment of this law is our humble legacy to the men and women who endured their hardships and put their lives in the forefront of the struggle for the cause of the Bangsamoro,” Silongan added.

According to her, the creation of the said office is in recognition of the veterans’ contribution to peace and development in the region. 

The said office will operate under the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) supervision, which will also allot initial funding of P30-million upon the act’s adoption.

The proposed bill has been referred to the Committee on Social Services and Committee on Budget, Finance and Management. (Publication and Media Relations Division)