COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Construction of some 2,340 “core shelters” or huts for internally displaced persons in Maguindanao is to commence in January following the turnover on Friday of a check for P62 million to the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said the money was meant to construct additional housing units for Maguindanao residents displaced by the 2008 armed conflict between government forces and Moro rebels.
Regional Vice Governor Bainon Karon received the check in simple rites at Malacañang Palace in Manila that was attended by provincial executives and other local officials.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said the handover ceremony manifested the sincerity of the President in fostering peace and harmony in conflict-affected areas occupied by Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement of Ameril Umra Kato.
“I was told that the construction of the more than 2,000 core shelters, which starts next month, would be completed by April or May,” said Mangudadatu.
He said the housing project would involve 11 villages located in the municipalities of Talayan, Datu Midtimbang, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi and Anggal.