Philippines to implement development projects in conflict-hit province

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government will implement P67-million ($1.49 million) worth of development projects in southern province of Maguindanao where there is an ongoing military operation against lawless elements, an official said today.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said that the military will facilitate the implementation of the projects.

The inauguration ceremony for a bridge project in Mamasapano town will be held on Wednesday, he said.

Catapang said that army engineers will be deployed to help in the construction of various infrastructure projects to support the rehabilitation and recovery of the conflict-affected areas.

The AFP has launched an all-out offensive against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been engaged in a peace process with the Philippine government.