Gov’t to convert former MILF camp into banana plantation – Piñol

MANILA, Philippines — Camp Abubakar, the former main stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will be converted into a banana plantation.

Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol disclosed this Thursday after signing a deal with Russian and Swiss companies, which would spend around P8 billion to develop the 7,000-hectare land in and around Camp Abubakar to grow midland and highland bananas,

The Agriculture chief in a statement stressed the project is expected to be the “first and biggest investment” in the Bangsamoro after the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

He added the project would provide work for at least 10,000 people, many of whom were former cadres and combatants.

Irrigation mapping and assessment of the quality of the soil in the area will begin next week, Piñol said.

BOL is the product of the government’s negotiations with the MILF, which agreed to surrender their arms after the creation of a Bangsamoro region.

A plebiscite for the ratification of BOL was held for voters within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City in Basilan, and Cotabato City on Monday, January 21. Meanwhile, the second round of BOL referendum for residents of Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City), and six North Cotabato municipalities is slated on February 6. /kga