SEACAMP 2017

SEACAMP 2017 --- Conservation Development Division Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser welcomed youth participants for the first ever three-day region-wide SEACAMP 2017 held last May 18in Glan, Sarangani. Hadjinasser conveyed the importance of the ocean in people’s lives. The seacamp was in line with the Month of the Ocean 2017 under the theme, "Tayo at ang Karagatan." (KBBenpolok/RSCIS/DENRXII- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PPOC tackles drug problem, violent extremism

PEACE AND ORDER --- Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (3^rd from left) led the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting last May 16 in Buluan, Maguindanao together with PDEA Director Bryan Babang, DILG-Maguindanao Director AminaDalandag, 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander Maj. Gen. ArnelDela Vega, and PNP-Maguindanao representative. They were also joined by various agencies and some municipal mayors. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

BULUAN, Maguindanao— Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu  tackled the local government’s campaign against illegal drugs and the issue on “violent extremism” during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting last May 16 in this town.

Governor Mangudadatu said the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Maguindanao said they find it challenging to get the full cooperation of barangay officials who fear retaliation from these drug suspects.

“For this year, the PNP-Maguindanao is eyeing at least 1,256 drug suspects under Oplan Tokhang, said Governor Mangudadatu.

Of this number, 57 had been arrested, three were killed in police operations, nine were already dead, and 788 had surrendered, while six others have transferred their residences.

According to PNP-Maguindanao, their crime solution efficiency for the period January 1-May 15, 2017 increased from 21 percent to 38 percent compared to the same period last year.

They attributed the increase in efficiency to pressure from President Duterte to intensify the campaign against crimes and illegal drugs. Crime volume increased by 10percent from January 1 to May 15, 2017 compared to the same period last year.

Further, Governor Mangudadatu also sought the aid from the 36 mayors of the province following reported attempts by foreign individuals to spread the teaching of violent extremism.

Some preachers have gone to some secluded parts of the province to teach bomb-making instead of the way to become a good Muslim.

Mangudadatu urged the mayors and barangay officials to monitor Islamic schools for their possible presence.

Maj. Gen. Arne lDela Vega, commanding general of the 6^thInfantry (Kampilan) Division, confirmed his commitment to the campaign against violent extremism.

Governor Mangudadatu and Maj. Gen. Dela Vega signed last May 16 an agreement to maximize coordination in maintaining law and order in the province.

In the agreement, the Office of the Governor and the 6th ID shall help each other in emergency and calamity response operations. The PNP-Maguindanao has also committed to support the campaign. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Shariff Aguak municipal gov’t spearheads medical mission

MEDICAL SERVICE --- A medical practitioner from the Integrated Provincial Health Office- Maguindanao performs “tuli” to one of the patients during a medical mission last May 13 in Shariff Aguak town. (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao --- Some 2,802 patients received treatment in a medical mission last May 13 sponsored by this local government together with the family of the late congressman Simeon A. Datumanong and the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Maguindanao.

Mayor Marop B. Ampatuan said they were overwhelmed by the response of their constituents and residents of nearby municipalities to the medical outreach.

“The whole day medical mission activity was a success,” he said.

Mayor Ampatuan said services rendered  to residents of  Shariff Aguak and those from the neighbouring towns included medical consultation, dental, minor surgery, “tuli,” pre-natal, usapang kabataan, RBS, eye check-up, “referred,” and health education.

The number of beneficiary-patients in various medical services accounted as follows: medical consultation- 649; dental- 248; minor surgery- four; “tuli”- 202; pre-natal- 14; usapang kabataan- 17; RBS - 221; eye check-up- 26; “referred”- 20; and health education- 1,401. All in all, there were 2,802 treated patients.

Mayor Ampatuan added that as counterpart of the local government, they also offered manpower support, venue, and food to the patients and the ones who assisted them during the conduct of the one-day activity.

“We were able to stage this medical mission with the help of the IPHO - Maguindanao led by Dr.Tahir Sulaik and some friends of the late Congressman Datumanong. This is an initiative of the family of the late congressman and they tapped the present leadership of Shariff Aguak to help them carry out with the plan,” said Mayor Ampatuan.

Anwar K. Emblawa, who spoke on behalf of the Datumanong family, said they would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all those who took part in the success of the medical mission.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SSB unifies warring families

SETTLEMENT --- Warring families of MaratoPilmen (left) and JaypeeEmran (center) shakes hands as they finally end their feud during a gathering last May 18 at the Sultan Sa Barongis gymnasium with their mediator Mayor RamdatuAngas.(ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS (SSB) --- This local government unit under the guidance of Mayor Ramdatu Angas has mediated the settlement of a long standing conflict between the families of Marato Pilmen and Jaypee Emran.

In a gathering last May 18 held at the municipal gymnasium in Poblacion Barurao with the presence of municipal and barangay officials, representatives from both families, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army, Mayor Angas said the warring families whose members are residing in Sultan Sa Barongis have been involved in recurring fighting encounters in the area.

“It has affected mostly our local residents who are just longing to maintain peace and order here,” said the mayor.

Through the years, Mayor Angas said the LGU has been actively involved in addressing domestic peace and security issues through dialogues and peaceful means.

“This is truly a breakthrough,” said Mayor Angas.

Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion, said they are relieved that two warring parties have finally put an end to their dispute.

"During conflicts, the ones directly affected are the innocent civilians. We will stand by all means to protect the welfare of these civilians who become helpless victims,” said Catu.

Angas lauded the participation of Lt. Col. Catu, who, he said, is very committed to stabilize peace and order in Sultan Sa Barongis.

Further, a Youth Leadership Summit was held last May 14 in this town.

Mayor Angas said at least 32 youths participated in the two-day activity.

“They were trained in pro-active leadership and disaster risk reduction and management. Also discussed with them was on dangerous drugs awareness. They also did community service (clean-up drive) in support to environmental protection and rehabilitation,” Mayor Angas said.

In another development, Mayor Angas their local government was also visited recently by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“This is in accordance to the Seal of Good Local Governance. It only justifies all of our efforts in Sultan Sa Barongis,” said Mayor Angas. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DSA holds BuntisCongress 2017

MATERNAL CARE --- A pregnant woman participant registering in the “Buntis Congress 2017” last May 18 held at the Datu Saudi Ampatuan town gymnasium. Buntis Congress targets to improve women’s health and reduce maternal and neo-natal deaths. (ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao --- Some 170 expectant mothers from different barangays in this town attended the “Buntis Congress 2017” last May 18  held at the municipal gymnasium.

Mayor Bai Anida U. Dimaukom, said this year’s Buntis Congress aims to increase the knowledge of women and their partners about safe motherhood and pregnancy-related services that they can avail from the health facilities.

“We would want to reach out and impart to them that a healthy pregnancy can save both the lives of the mother and her unborn child,” said Mayor Dimaukom.

Municipal Administrator Mastura Tapa said they gave free meals and free “buntis kits” as part of the local government’s counterpart.

“Our kit is inclusive of baby diapers, alcohol, oil, cotton, and soap,” he said.

Tapa added they would also give an incentive of P500 to traditional “hilots” if they could bringto the hospital pregnant women who are about to give birth.

“It would help reduce maternal mortality,” said Tapa.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Roman Reyes said the Municipal Health Office is always ready to support the pregnant women of the town.

“Proper care is important all throughout the nine months of pregnancy,” he emphasized.

He added that women must have the access to reproductive health services to reduce maternal mortality.

Deliveries and post-partum care must be attended by skilled birth attendants with timely access to quality emergency obstetric and newborn care when needed and all mothers and newborns must benefit from post-partum visits.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Brigada Eskwela 2017 involves community

COMMITMENT --- Atty. Jarissa Guerrero-Guiani of the City Mayor’s Office spoke before participants during the launching last May 15 of Brigada Eskwela 2017 at the Cotabato City National High School - Rojas Site.  At inset is CCNHS- Rojas Site principal Dr. Yusoph Thong A. Amino as he signed the stakeholder’s covenant. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY ---Teachers, students, and stakeholders gathered last May 15 at the Cotabato City National High School (CCNHS)- Rojas Site for the nation-wide launching of Brigada Eskwela 2017.

Dr.Yusoph Thong A. Amino, school principal of the CCNHS- Rojas Site, said the Brigada Eskwela is an annual program of the Department of Education (DepEd) where teachers, students, parents, and stakeholders join hands in preparing the classrooms in public schools for use in the coming school year.

“It is part of the DepEd’s commitment toward an orderly and safe opening of classes. Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated monetary form or in kind. We received brooms, broomsticks, paints, brush paints, and other materials needed to prepare our classrooms in the next school year,” Amino said.

With the theme “Isang DepEd, Isang Pamayanan, Isang Bayanihan para sa Handa at Ligtas na Paaralan,” Brigada Eskwela consists of activities that truly exhibit the spirit of shared community responsibility in providing quality basic education for all Filipino learners.

Atty. Jarissa Guerrero Guiani, who represented City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, related the importance of basic education.

“As we prepare for the future of the young ones, it is only a must that we also ensure them an environmental that is sustainable and conducive to learning. I would like to reiterate that the city government has always been supportive to the endeavors of the DepEd,” said Guiani.

Also in attendance during the program were Col. Antonio B. Sugarol of the 6^th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Task Force Kutawato head Col. Jose Gongona, Rosary Heights 1 Barangay Chairman Peter C. Morales, and SGC President Hadja Arbaya S. Odin.

“We highly express this shared belief while we renew our common ground and commitment as companions and partners in the continuing quest for relevant and quality basic education and seek the better future of our children,” said Amino.

Further, participating officials and personalities have also signed the stakeholder’s covenant in mutual trust, cooperation, and solidarity support to Brigada Eskwela 2017.

In Maguindanao, Maguindanao II Schools Division Superintendent Hadja Meriam Kawit said stakeholders have been supportive to the campaign.

“This is not only limited to the teachers, students, and parents. The involvement of our stakeholders plays a major role in the success of our campaign. Thanks to those who donated materials in grooming our classrooms, most especially to our local government units,” Kawit said.

Accordingly, DepEdmobilized their Adopt-a-School Program, known as BrigadaEskwela Coordinators, to ensure the successful implementation of BrigadaEskwela in all public elementary and secondary schools, with the involvement of the community and stakeholders.

BrigadaEskwela program is not just a tool to improve school facilities but to step up community contribution in the continuous and shared responsibility of providing quality basic education.BrigadaEskwela here ended last May 19. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COMPETENCY

COMPETENCY --- Mayor Ramdatu Angas (2^nd from right) of Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao led the opening of the Youth Leadership Summit 2017 last May 14 held in Buluan, Maguindanao. At least 36 youth participants have been involved in the two-day activity on pro-active leadership, disaster risk reduction and management,  and  dangerous drugs awareness. They also did community service (clean-up drive) as part of their involvement in environmental protection and rehabilitation. With him are (L-R) Municipal Administrator Danialan Utap, 40th IB commander Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, and Capt. Dexter O. Magbitang. At inset are the youth participants of the summit. (Photo courtesy of 40^th IB, 6^th ID, PA)

Remembering Doc Jaja

HEALING HANDS --- Dr.Shahid “Doc Jaja” M. Sinolinding and a patient during one of his free ophthalmic consultations.

COTABATO CITY --- Dr. Shahid M. Sinolinding, fondly called as "Doc Jaja," is known to many as the “ophthalmologist of the people.”

He started serving Mindanao, particularly the poor, troubled, and isolated places where no one dared to serve since 2010 after finishing his ophthalmology residency training at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

Prior to his death, he visited the island-municipality of Pangutaranin Sulu and Sibuto of Tawi-tawi, the Abu Sayyaf Group-influenced towns of Sulu, and Lamitan in Basilan rendering free ophthalmic consultations and surgeries.

He is the youngest of the siblings, father of three, a certified philanthropist, and a friend to all people.

Doc Jajawas born on December 2, 1979 at Arakan in North Cotabato where most of his siblings spent their younger days, while his father Dr. Kadil P. Sinolinding, Sr. served as the acting president of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST).

He was a Physical Therapy Licensure Examination Board topper in 2001 and finished his medical degree at the Xavier University Cagayan de Oro in 2005 with outstanding performance.

Serving the poor people hadsince been his passion by constantly participating in medical outreach activities with other doctors just to reach more communities.

Behind the scene situation

Back in August 2016, his elder brother, Prof. Harris Sinolinding, a faculty of CFCST, was ambushed on his way to his class but luckily survived unscathed. His car sustained four bullet holes from gunmen riding-in-tandem.

In 2013, Dr. Delfin Moreno, the vice president for land development, was murdered after leading a protest rally denouncing the alleged school's corrupt practices.

A year after, school administrator Cedric Mantawil was seriously wounded but survived the ambush while driving his car.

It was linked to a widely known rift between the protesters, where his brother belongs, and the school administration riddled with endless accusations of corruption, drug abuse, and mismanagement of school funds.

The protest action against the school, headed by President Samson Molao, claimed three deaths (Dr. Delfin Moreno, farmer leader Tatay Wilerme Agorde, and student leader Rey Rabadon).Others got injured, all related to shootings.There were also instances of grenade throwing and other forms of violence.

The family believes that the murder of Doc Jaja is connected to the CFCST row, making the death list to four. The PNP Cotabato Province and National Bureau of Investigation-12 seem at a loss as to the progress of their own versions of investigation.

At the crime

The failure of the CCTV DVR to retain footages of the suspects and the events surrounding the crime scene raised serious questions of "inside job" and the Cotabato City Police Office’s (CCPO) mediocre handling of the case simply shows the strong influence of the people behind his murder using money, organizational influence, and the drugs.

Doc Jaja was shot while examining his 10 charity patients preparing for a day long surgeries. Infront of around 30 credible witnesses, plus a fully functional CCTV of the facility, three guards on duty, and a personal escort of Doc Jaja, the CCPO similarly remains stagnant in their investigation.

The family and fellow health workers cry for justice for the endless crime committed against doctors, health workers, and educators of Cotabato and Mindanao.

Failure to get Prof. Harris “landed on my youngest brother Doc Jaja being the easiest target among us.”

(DR. KADIL JOJO M. SINOLINDING, JR, DPBO, SECRETARY OF HEALTH-ARMM / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Assy. Padate addresses power woes in Lanao Sur

COTABATO CITY --- Second District of Lanao del Sur Assemblyman Atty. Abol Alam Padate has revealed the current power problem following outages in several towns of theprovince.

After three committee hearings, Assemblyman Padate, who chairs the committee on power and energy, terminated the investigation on the failure of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) to provide electricity in some parts of its concession areas, particularly in the seven coastal towns.

Both LASURECO, under the new management of General Manager Nordjana Dipatuan-Ducol, and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) committed to restore the electricity in the affected coastal towns.

The NGCP has reached an agreement with LASURECO to rehabilitate the 69KV power lines from Tugaya to the coastal towns at their expense but subject to refund.

“Accordingly, the rehabilitation of the power lines will take two months without any distraction. Equipment and the needed parts are all set and anytime soon, they will commence the rehabilitation,” Padate said.

On the other hand, LASURECO announced that the P84 million they requested for the rehabilitation of the power lines in the seven coastal towns was approved as it requested the committee to adopt a resolution requesting the immediate release of the amount.

Further, Padate said they have been assured by the new management of  LASURECO that it has addressed the problem in collections.

“In fact, with only a few months since the new general manager assumed office, they were able to collect more than P18-M from the consumers,” he said.

Earlier, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi ordered an investigation over allegations of corruption against LASURECO officials that led to the four-year power outages in several towns in the province.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that mayors from at least seven towns, who met previously with Cusi and other government officials, wanted to take the power distribution "out of the control of LASURECO, which owes the NGCP an estimated P10 billion of unpaid power bills.

The plea from local chief executives came as they cited the reported release of P64 million during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III before the May 2016 elections for the purchase of 20,000 units of electric power meters.

A mayor even pointed out “what's the use of buying meters when we don't have power.”

“Both the money and the power meters could not be accounted for, ” Piñol said.

Besides the probe on LASURECO, Cusi also ordered for the restoration of power in the municipalities of Malabang, Picong, Balabagan, Calanogas, Marogong, and Pagayawan.

Piñol added that the protracted power outages were only brought up during a consultation with fishermen when the agriculture department's suggestion to build an ice plant in the area was thumbed down by the residents.

(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Midsayap strengthens its security measures

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato --- This town has tightened measures in its checkpoints along major roads to further strengthen security.

Mayor Romeo Araña said that at present there are two checkpoints along the national highway from Cotabato City going to Davao City and another two on the road from Midsayap to DatuPiang town in Maguindanao.

“Araña said they are doing, by all possible means, to secure the safety of their populace following the previous attacks in their town,” Araña said.

Araña stressed they will never allow these attacks to happen again.

“We are grateful with the help of the provincial government. The police, Army, and barangay officials also play a major role in stabilizing peace and order here. We have provided the barangays with cellular phones to help them with our campaign,” the mayor added.

Just more than a month ago, a passerby was seriously injured in an explosion that rocked the town proper, where 16-year-old Hisnon Midpantao sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of his body.

On December 24, 2016, more than 10 people were injured in a blast outside a church. The blast ripped through a police car and hit church-goers arriving for Christmas Eve mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño. The blast occurred about 30 meters (98 feet) away from the church's entrance which caused panic.

It was reported that the victims suffered minor injuries, except for one female civilian whose foot was seriously injured.A member of the Midsayap police force was also injured.

The Midsayap local government condemned the blast as an act of cowardice.

Araña has asked the people of Midsayap to fight any form of violence with prayers and requested the constituents to be the vanguard of peace and order in their own communities.

"We encourage vigilance and caution,” he said.

Midsayap is a first class municipality in the province of North Cotabato with a population of 151,684.

Midsayap is geographically located at the south-western portion of North Cotabato province. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Libungan, on the south by the Rio Grande de Mindanao, on the east by the municipalities of Aleosan and Pikit, and on the west by the Municipality of Kabuntalan. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

RLA approves budgetof ARMM infraprojects

CAHAR P. IBAY

COTABATO CITY --- Assemblyman Cahar P. Ibay of the First District of Maguindanao bared that the 9^th Regional Legislative Assembly(RLA) has already approved more than P10 billion worth of infrastructure projects for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in year 2017.

Ibay, chair of the RLA’s committee on public works and highways, said the regional legislators have previously signed Public Works Act of 2017, authorizing the appropriation for infrastructure projects in the ARMM.

The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways, through its district engineering offices, will implement the approved projects.

These cover construction of major roads and bridges, water supply, seaports, shores, drainage canal, flood control, strategic infrastructure projects in support of tourism, agriculture, peace and security, public health or sanitation, and other socio-economic development activities, especially those in conflict- or calamity-affected areas.

The appropriation is effective even beyond Fiscal Year 2017 until fully released, obligated, and disbursed for the purpose. The infrastructure funds will be properly distributed to the five provinces and two cities in the region.

In a separate statement, ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman said he will make sure that all the provinces will receive development projects from the regional government.

Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM secretary, said the implementation of the projects shall be undertaken through competitive public bidding.

There will be a Regional Project Monitoring Committee, inclusive of the legislative assembly members or representatives, which will conduct periodic checking and validation of the status of project implementation based on the approved program of work, project specifications, and time frame of completion. The purpose is to effectively oversee the projects. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ANTI-TERROR SUMMIT

ANTI-TERROR SUMMIT --- ARMM Governor MujivHataman addresses  the three-day  "ARMM Ulama Summit Against Terrorism" which opened last  May 12 at the ShariffKabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City  attended by Islamic scholars from different parts of the country, local and regional government officials, military and police officials, representatives from civil society organizations, and members of the media. The regional governor said the Ulama can help in the fight against terrorism by educating people about the true teachings of Islam.

(BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-ARMM/ MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Basilan to have sea ambulance

COTABATO CITY --- Basilan will soon have its own sea ambulance, courtesy of  three assemblymen coming from the province’s lone district --- Ahmad Ali S. Ismael, RonieA. Hantian, and Haber A. Asarul.

Known as the IHA (Ismael, Hantian, and Asarul), the trio is bound to extend Immediate Humanitarian Assistance to patients needing emergency medical attention.

Ismael said the customized sea ambulance isintended for emergency purposes  catering to the residents of Basilan,most especially those residing in island- municipalities and island-barangays.

“The sea ambulance can run at approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Basilan to Zamboanga City. Usually, we cross the sea within an hour. We will also hire staff to manage the patients when moving for Zamboanga City,” Ismael said.

In addition, Ismael said they will provide first aid facility and comfortable bed.

“We would ensure the safety of the ambulance which has the capacityto load at least 10 patients,” he said.

Ismael said that at present, the creation of the sea ambulance, which is made of wood, is still ongoing since they could not find a ready-made one.

“We need to manufacture since it is customized. After that, we will accessorize and groom the sea ambulance,” Ismael said.

Ismael said that their main purpose is simple. “Typically we reside in an island and as of now we don’t have competitive hospitals. There are some medical services which our hospitals could not extend to the patients. In this manner, we will be able to transport them from Basilan to Zamboanga City,” he said.

The project has a budget of P500,000.

“It’s going to be a banca type but withoutkatig, so it would be easy for the sea ambulance to dock,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SP wants strict implementationof “safety helmet”

Councilor Abdillah Lim

COTABATO CITY --- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of this city is pushing for the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 10054, otherwise known as the “Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009,” as well as the provisions on “Safety Helmet” under the Revised Traffic Code of Cotabato City instead of the use of masks or bonnets by some motorcycle and ‘habal-habal’ drivers or riders.

Councilor Abdillah J. Lim, chairman of the SP’s committee on public order and safety, passed a resolution requesting the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) to check the propriety on the use of masks and full bonnets by some motorcycle and habal-habal drivers/riders following information and observation from the public.

Why the use of masks and bonnets? Is this to conceal their facial identities? concerned citizens and officials asked. The use of safety helmets is more appropriate as head gear protection in cases of road accidents, still others remarked.

The use of safety helmets was toned down as an exemption for purposes of security after instances when those riding-in-tandem conceal their upper bodies in gunning down human targets.

“We would want our city police to look into this matter. Some of our residents are actually scared when they see those who wear masks and bonnets instead of the prescribed helmets,” Lim said.

Lim said comments and observations were also forwarded by some SP members relative to the issue, particularly on the “implications”of wearing the masks or bonnetsby some individuals in the city.

“It was emphasized during the deliberation that the wearing of masks and bonnets must be strictly prohibited in Cotabato City because the safety and welfare of the riding public as well as the constituents is among the primordial concerns of the city,” Lim added, implying the non-identification of these head-covered culprits in commission of crimes.

Lim said it is better to act now than say sorry later. “This would help us to prevent criminalities,” he said. (GILMHAR A. LAO& ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)