In a gesture of unity in the name of peace and progress, former foes Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Bangsamoro parliament member Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), led the ground-breaking ceremony for a transformative housing and resettlement project in Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte.
The project, a key component of the government’s Camps Transformation Plan (CTP), will provide housing for former MILF combatants and their families.
Funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, the initiative aims to convert six former MILF camps into zones of peace and development.
The ceremony was a poignant display of reconciliation. Galvez, a retired military general, and Macapaar, a veteran MILF leader, once fought on opposite sides of the battlefield. At present, however, they are together in their commitment to building a better future for the Bangsamoro region.
“This housing project is a realization of our vision to transform former MILF camps into peaceful, productive, and resilient communities,” said Galvez.
“From Camp Bilal to Bilal community, to Bilal villages—this marks a new chapter for the people here,” he added.
Galvez highlighted President Marcos’ initiative to construct millions of housing units nationwide, with particular focus on localized implementation to meet the specific needs of target beneficiaries.
Macapaar, who expressed gratitude for the project, described it as a milestone in the journey toward peace and development.
“In behalf of the members of the parliament and in behalf of the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), we thank Allah, our government, our beloved Secretary (Galvez), our governor, the Armed Forces, local government, provincial government, national government. We could not have attained this occasion that provides housing for our decommissioned combatants,” Macapaar said.
He emphasized his continuing support for the government’s peace agenda, pledging to work toward sustained harmony in the region.
Lanao del Norte Gov, Imelda Dimaporo lauded the initiative, recognizing it as a significant step in uplifting the lives of former rebels..
“If not for this person, if not for this person, this Camp Bilal would not have been a reality as Bilal community. Honorable Secretary Carlito Galvez, we will never forget this,” Dimaporo said.
Engineer Al-Khwarizmi Indanan of the National Housing Authority (NHA) underscored the project’s importance in rebuilding communities that have faced decades of conflict.
“This ground-breaking event serves to honor the past as we embrace the future.” he remarked.
Galvez praised Macapaar’s personal journey, calling his transformation from a revolutionary leader to a civil servant as a testament to the power of peace.
