Ex-Abu Sayyaf finish DepEd’s ALS program

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A former Abu Sayyaf commander and 48 other former bandits have finished the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) program in Basilan.

Moton Indama led Abu Sayyaf surrenderees who were among 500 graduates awarded certificates of completion in ceremonies held at the Basilan State College gymnasium in Isabela City on Thursday.

The graduates underwent a 10-month ALS program.

The former Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered in exchange for free education to hasten their reintegration into mainstream society through the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) started by officials of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) government.

The surrenderees were also provided livelihood, housing, health and social welfare support. They were among more than 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits who surrendered in Basilan in the past three years through the intercession of local government and military officials.

“There is always hope for a better future for these 49, who were known for their colorful background in violent extremism in Basilan. It only shows there is a greater chance for former Abu fighters to change their lives,” Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, who initiated the PAVE when he was ARMM governor said. – John Unson