Nusa Island, Lanao del Sur offers home to convicted Maranaos

The Nusa Island in Lanao del Sur is being called the Island of Paradise, but for some people in Barangay Nusa Lumba A Ranaw, it's an island of healing.

According to Asmarie Labao's report on "Stand For Truth," the 4-hectare area populated by over 855 people is also where a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community consisting mostly of Maranaos with cases of rape, murder, drug use, or mental illnesses are temporarily placed for rehabilitation.

Specifically, there are eight people linked to drug issues, four with mental health conditions, and two cases involving minors who seek rehabilitation in the area.

According to a trustee of the center, Alandoni Ali, those with mental illnesses are brought to the area by their own families.

He said, "Minsan nagwawala sa bahay nila, na ginusto na lang ng parents nila na dito na lang kaysa doon na nakikita ng ibang tao."

The rehabilitation center was created way back in 1987. The fee costs from 3,000 pesos to 5,000 pesos every month and is provided by the families.

Should the funds not be enough, donations come in from private sectors. —Kaela Malig/LBG, GMA News