The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has embarked on a significant peace-building initiative, launching the construction of 600 resettlement housing units with a total project cost of P400 million. This project is designed for former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and spans six identified camps as a crucial component of the ongoing normalization process.
Project Launch and Initial Construction
The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD-BARMM) officially commenced this landmark project. MHSD Director General Esmael Ebrahim announced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, that the first phase involves building 100 housing units at Camp Abubakar As-Siddieque in Togaig village, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this initial batch was led by Ebrahim on Monday, November 10. He expressed optimism, stating that "In a few months from now, we will see the 100-unit housing for our Mujahideen brothers", highlighting the tangible progress being made.
Widespread Development Across MILF Camps
The housing initiative is not confined to a single location. Director General Ebrahim confirmed that similar projects are scheduled for five other former MILF strongholds:
- Camp Bad’r in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur
- Camp Omar in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur
- Camp Rajamuda in the Special Geographic Area
- Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur
- Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte
Each housing unit is designed to be a comfortable and complete home for families. The specifications include a 48-square-meter floor area featuring three bedrooms, a living area, a dining area, a kitchen, a comfort room, and a porch.
Comprehensive Community Support Facilities
Beyond the houses themselves, the project includes the development of seven essential community facilities to foster a holistic living environment. These are:
- A covered court with a stage and bleachers
- A concrete fence and archway
- An access road with a drainage canal
- Solar lights for sustainable energy
- A Level II water system
- A health station equipped with medical tools
- A multipurpose building
The entire project is financed through the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the BARMM government.
A Steadfast Commitment to Peace and Welfare
Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua emphasized the profound significance of the project, declaring, "Every home built through this project is not just a structure—it is a promise that the Bangsamoro government is steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its people."
Ebrahim further elaborated that the construction in Camp Abubakar As-Siddieque acts as BARMM's counterpart contribution to the camp's transformation. This effort aligns with the Master Development Plan launched by the national government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on January 23, 2024.
The overarching goal of this master plan is to turn the former MILF training camp into a "show window of peace and development" by implementing various socioeconomic projects that will benefit the entire community, marking a new chapter of hope and stability in the region.
