Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday assured leaders of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) it will help secure and monitor infrastructure projects in former Maguindanao's battle fields.

The assurance was issued by Ustadz Wahid Tundok, head of the MILF's 118th base command in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (now Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo (SPMS), all in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the infrastructure projects are in support of the national government's peace process with the MILF.

He said the security offered by the Moro rebel group is one of the dividends of the government peace process.

The ARMM, through the Department of Public Work and Highways, is implementing more than Php100 million worth of road, bridge and school building projects in the five adjoining towns where MILF and government forces clashed in previous years.

It was known in the military as "SPMS box" and area of operation of the MILF and lately of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Following the month-long Army surgical operations aimed at neutralizing the BIFF early this year, the former rebel stronghold is now quiet and people are living normal lives.

Hataman acknowledged the security support provided by the MILF under Ustadz Tundok.

"The projects are about 90 percent complete," he told reporters.

Hataman and ARMM Public Works Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong and other public works officials visited the projects Wednesday without much security escorts.

The ARMM’s multi-million projects are in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan, Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano and in Barangay Pendililang in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

The concrete farm-to-market road in Barangay Tukanalipao is nearing completion. It will connect communities of Moro farmer into the town center.

Before the actual visit, Loong said the project was being monitored by his office using drone technology and satellite based geo-tagging system.

The concrete bridge across the Tukanalipao river in Mamasapano town where a police operation to put down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir was made, is also almost complete.

A Mosque nearby was constructed by the Army's 6th Infantry Division through the funding from the ARMM.

Hataman said a new school building in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan town was already completed under the Education, Livelihood and Peace Synergy (HELPS) program of the ARMM government.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan lauded the efforts of Gov. Hataman in bringing infrastructure projects in the poor communities.

Beside the school was a solar drier where farmers in the village can dry agricultural products and use the drier for other purposes like basketball court and assembly area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807445

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