Sports a way out of poverty for MILF children

MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar receives a jacket of the Philippine national team from PSC chair Butch Ramirez. Standing beside Ramirez is PSC chief of staff Ronnel Abrenica.

Never doubt that a sports hero can be found even in the hinterlands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Apart from helping maintain peace in Mindanao through sports, the Philippine Sports Commission is motivated to discover talents among the children of the MILF in its turf in Cotabato.

PSC chair Butch Ramirez discussed the possibility along with the grassroots development program for the Muslim youth in a meeting Saturday with MILF vice chair Ghazali Jaafar at Camp Darapanan, Cotabato City.

“With the government’s Mindanao Sports for Peace program, we will put up structures for the MILF children,” said Ramirez. “We will bring coaches and sports scientists there through the aid of the Chinese embassy.”

According to PSC chief of staff Ronnel Abrenica, Jaafar will discuss the details of the proposed program with the MILF central committee and ask permission.

“Their training must be in accordance to their way of life and to liberate the Moro children from poverty through sports,” said Ramirez, adding that the MILF youth will participate in the Batang Pinoy Games and the Philippine National Games.

Abrenica said a sports office would be established in the camp to run and sustain the program, with combat sports high on the priority list.