Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has vowed to infuse development projects in communities
in Basilan and other parts of the region which were influenced by lawless
elements and recently captured by government forces.
Hataman made the commitment as he witnessed the turnover
ceremony marking the restoration of government authority in a former Abu Sayyaf
Group (ASG) stronghold in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Sunday
morning.
Government forces overran the ASG camp in August as the
government intensified its operation against terrorist organizations.
The camp was seized following a month-long operations by
joint forces of the 18th Infantry Battalion, 64th Infantry Battalion, Scout
Rangers and Special Forces, implementing a directive from President Duterte to
rid the province
of Abu Sayyaf
In a statement released Monday, Hataman has called for unity
in achieving long lasting peace as he spoke to hundreds of residents present in
the event.
"It's about time for this place (Barangay Baguindan) to
receive various programs and projects from the government," Hataman said
as he vowed to pour projects in conflict-affected areas, especially Barangay
Baguindan.
"Ang Baguindan ay para sa Baguindan. Nandito kami para
protektahan ang mga tao dito (Baguindan is for Baguindan. We are here to
protect the people)," Hataman, a native of Basilan, said as the crowd
applauded.
Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul lauded the ARMM regional
government and the military for liberating the town from the clutches of
terrorists.
Istarul said the town government will seek Hataman's help in
bringing livelihood for the people of Baguindan.
Following the turn over rites, Hataman, along with ARMM
Regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., Anak Mindanao partylist
representative Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and other ARMM officials led in
the conduct of Peoples' Day where the locals receive medical assistance and
medicine.
On top of the outreach program, the ARMM humanitarian unit,
distributed food packs to 1,574 families in Barangay Baguindan and Barangay
Silangkum and in Al-Barka town.
The town had been the site of previous bloody skirmishes
involving ASG and government forces where both sides suffered heavy casualties.
After assuming post as the country's 16th president,
President Duterte had his first provincial visit in Basilan and his marching
orders were clear, that is to defeat Abu Sayyaf and the government will bring
development in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924139
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