601st Brigade imposes curfew hours

PEACE AND ORDER --- Shariff Aguak municipal government led by Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan (3^rd from left) held an emergency MPOC meeting last June 1 in support to PDU30’s martial law declaration. With him are (L-R) Shariff Aguak PNP Chief of Police Chief Inspector Armando L. Liwan, MLGOO Monina Guialudin, 57^th IB commander Lt. Col. Enrique L. Clemente, 40th IB commander Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, and Capt. Jerome Yee of the 601^st Brigade. At inset is 601st Brigade commander Col. Diosdado C. Carreon. (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The 601^st Brigade of the Philippine Army, in support to President Rodrigo Duterte's martial law declaration, started last Thursday the imposition  of local curfew hours.

Col. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 601st Brigade, said the move is being implemented within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

He said there would be no changes in their security procedures, especially on checkpoints. However, the public should expect a more thorough inspection and search.

“We assure the public that we are still in total control of the daily operations. Curfew hours start from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.,” said Col. Carreon.

In Shariff Aguak town, Mayor Engr. Marop B. Ampatuan and Vice Mayor Datu Akmad Mitra Ampatuan called on their constituents to remain calm and be vigilant in this time of crisis with the declaration of martial law by President Duterte.

The municipal government, in its Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting last week, solicitedthe support of the municipal and barangay officials to the  implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

Mayor Ampatuan said the move of the President has gained support from the Filipino people and “so with the municipal government of Shariff Aguak.”

“The local government appeals to its people to remain at home when there are no necessary or urgent matters to attend to and if it cannot be avoided, one must bring along with him personal identification to avoid complications when travelling outside of this town,” said the mayor.

Lt. Col. Enrique L. Clemente, commanding officer of the 57^th Infantry Battalion, and 40th Infantry Battalion chief Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu were present during the MPOC meeting.

In Sultan Sa Barongis, Mayor Ramdatu Angas said the curfew was reached after their recent MOPC meeting.

“For the law-abiding citizens who need to come out of their homes during the curfew hours, all they have to do is bring proper identification cards issued by the government such as driver’s license, postal ID, or COMELEC ID, among others,” said Mayor Angas.

In Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mayor Bai Anida U. Dimaukom said the local government supports the national government’s efforts to stabilize the situation in Mindanao.

“Police and Army checkpoints have been put up in all entry and exit points to prevent lawless elements from sowing violence and terror. We also call on the support not only of our municipal and barangay officials, but also of our residents so we can sustain peace and order” said Mayor Dimaukom. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)