Gov't forms task force to develop Bangsamoro

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno S. Aquino III has created a task force that will spearhead the development in conflict-affected areas in the southern region.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said today that the president signed an administrative order forming the Task Force on Bangsamoro Development. The 15-member Task Force will be headed by Jose Rene Almendras, secretary to the Cabinet.

The Task Force will develop and implement programs and projects to respond to health, education, and livelihood needs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, priority beneficiaries, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities throughout Mindanao; and communications strategy on the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro is the Aquino administration's concrete, socio-economic peace initiative that aims to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of MILF communities towards realizing lasting peace and development for the Bangsamoro people and the entire country.