Mamasapano mayor: “Nothing to fear…”

STRENGTHENED CAMPAIGN --- Barangay Officials reiterate their commitment in the local government’s fight against terrorism and illegal drugs during the LGU summit last July 17 held at the Mamasapano municipal gymnasium. Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan (2^nd row, 3^rd from right) has solicited earlier the support of the barangay leaders to win the battle against threats to security. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao --- This municipal government is determined to ensure peace and order within the locality with the conduct of LGU Summit against Terrorism and Illegal Drugs last July 17 held at Mamasapano municipal gymnasium.

In the midst of Martial Law in Mindanao, Mayor Tahirodin Benzar A. Ampatuan assured his constituents that they have nothing to fear.

“As long as you know you are a law abiding citizen and has done nothing illegal, you have nothing to worry,” he said.

In his message, 601^st Brigade Commander Col. Diosdado C. Carreon  reiterated that checkpoints are in place all over Mindanao to further ensure peace and order.

“I appeal to everyone to please bear with us and in whatever circumstance. Should you see any unusual activity within your communities, please report it to proper authorities. This is the only way we could ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.

Provincial Director Engr. Amina T. Dalandag of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Maguindanao discussed the Role of LGU in Ensuring Peaceful and Secured Communities.

Understanding 2017 Martial Law AFP Peaceful and Security Measures was tackled by 40th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu.

The Mechanisms and Strategies in Protecting LGUs (Municipal and Barangay) against Terrorism and Illegal Drugs Activities was discussed by Col. Jibin Bongcayao of the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office.

In addition, Assistant Regional Director Jet Carriño of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) presented the Policies, Parameters and Approaches in Sustaining Drug-Free Communities/Drug-Free Barangays, while Procedures and Process in the Conduct of Investigation against Terrorists Groups was presented Superintendent James Allan I. Logan of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-ARMM.

ISLAM as a Region of Peace-Loving People was delivered by Shiek H. Abe HurairaLogioman

Commitment of Support were also given by various sectors: non-government organizations, barangay officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines, religious groups, Mamasapano PN, Sangguniang Bayan, DILG-MLGOO, civil society organizations, Municipal Health Office, academe, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Masa Masid CF, and Department of Education - District Office. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)