CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Military authorities and local government executives in Maguindanao have joined hands in fight against lawless groups that continue to threaten the security of the people.
On Monday, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu presided over the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting hosted by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).
The assembly, held at the camp’s Eco-Park, had the province’s 32 of 36 town mayors in attendance.
During the discussion, the PPOC said the presence of lawless elements and IS-inspired groups in Maguindanao continued to threaten the peace and development efforts of the government with frequent clashes among armed groups and harassment by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters against government forces.
Also discussed were the problems faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), dislocation of residents due to clan wars and the issue on the province’s social welfare 4Ps (Pantawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Program) implementation.
Mangudadatu appealed for sobriety to warring families in Maguindanao who recently figured in a bloody armed conflict in the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Salibo, both in Maguindanao.
“Amidst the squabble, let us not send our armed groups; rather let us help pacify the trouble. As servants of the people let us meddle (to pacify) rather than fuel up the conflicting groups,” Mangudadatu told local chief executives. “Bullet knows no one, bombs can hit anyone. The innocent civilians are the victims of these skirmishes among armed groups. Have pity on them especially the children.”
The governor added that if the town mayors fail to effectively meddle and pacify “could mean we failed to do our job as leaders.”
The governor suggested that the PPOC pass a resolution declaring “peace zones,” especially in the troubled villages to reduce the bringing of illegal weapons.
“Whatever we do and whatever happens in our area, we are being monitored by the military, police and media. All events are being reported may it be good or untoward incidents. Thus, we ourselves are creating our image to the whole world,” Mangudadatu reminded the town mayors who are all members of PPOC.
Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayug, 6ID deputy chief of staff for operations, presented to the council members Martial Law Instruction No. 01 directing Mindanao governors and mayors, including the ARMM, to ensure that local executives are placed under a clear monitoring system.
The instruction further directs the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies to coordinate with and assist the governors and mayors in monitoring the presence and performance of other local officials.
“It is for clarification of this martial law instruction that the 6ID hosted the PPOC meeting,” Bunayug said.
For his part, Major General Arnel dela Vega, 6ID commander, assured the Maguindanao local executives that they have nothing to worry about the martial law.
“This is a good start,” Dela Vega said of the 6ID’s hosting the PPOC meeting. “Let us help you by helping us. If you do the right thing, there is nothing to worry about Martial Law,” he added.
“More of your presence and absence, your performance in your job is more important for us to monitor. We will see to it that good governance can happen in Maguindanao,” the Army general stressed.
Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, reported to the PPOC that per police record, there are still 8,435 loose firearms across the province.
Tello said criminalities; illegal drugs, terrorism and armed conflicts remain as major threats for Maguindanao’s peace and security situation.
Concerning the drug problem, Tello said a total of 11,366 illegal drug users and 652 pushers have so far yielded to the police “Tokhang” (knock and plead) program in Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1026671
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