Japan pledges 5 M. Dlrs for disarmament on Philippine island

Manila, Sept. 15 (Jiji Press)–Japan has agreed with the United Nations Development Program to provide $5 million in grants to support the disarmament of militants on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

The Mindanao region has seen armed conflict between the central government and Islamic militants for five decades. Tokyo hopes to help secure peace ahead of the region’s self-government set up in 2025.

The Japanese grants will be used in a project implemented by the UN body to collect small arms and light weapons held by armed groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“This project will be a remarkable milestone,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said, adding he was glad Japan could participate.

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