Hundreds of bicycle were distributed among children of Mohammad Ajul, Basilan earlier today. The affair was the culmination of Save the Children of War – Basilan’s efforts to help children, as victims of war, in the area. The organization, headed by its president Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as, launched a series of psycho-social interventions for almost five hundred children, including those of Abu Sayyaf surrenderees under the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE).
The Office of the Minority Leader, led by MP Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia, took part of the worthwhile cause. Atty. Laisa has been supporting the Foundation as part of her advocacy in securing the rights and welfare of women and children in Mindanao. Atty. Laisa joined the organization together with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr, BGen Peter Suchianco, Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, Mohammad Ajul Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho, and fellow Members of Parliament Alzad Sattar and Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, in distributing bicycles and toys to the participating children.
As a human rights lawyer and staunch advocate for women and children, Atty. Alamia wishes to continue bridging and scaling such efforts through multi-sectoral cooperation. Children and women remain vulnerable to the terrors of wars and armed conflicts. We need to nurture both sectors as we progress with our hope of building a stronger Bangsamoro.
