HUMANITARIAN AID

HUMANITARIAN AID --- The Maharadjah Tabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MTDCPI) led by MTDCPI president and chief executive officer HRH Hadja Putri Bai Rhanee Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano-Adam (3^rd from right) distributes relief packs last June 23 to at least 800 families who were affected by the ongoing Marawi City crisis. In partnership with Muslim Aid Philippines, the organization extended aid to these IDPs from both the evacuation centers and home based. Mindalano-Adam is joined by HM Hadji Datu Lihondo E. Adam (1^st from left) and Madalum municipal administrator Sultan Usman Sarangani, Sr. (3^rd from left). (ANNE ACOSTA- MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

ARMM to build sanitation facilities for Marawi IDPs

WANTING SANITATION --- Hundreds of internally displaced persons from Marawi City squeeze through spaces at one of the evacuation centers but which need hygienic facilities for their well-being. (Photo by BPI-ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

MARAWI CITY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will construct sanitation facilities in some of the evacuation camps in Lanao del Sur to help ensure the health and well-being of families staying there.

While majority of the almost 46,000 families displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi City have sought shelter in their relative’s houses, some families are forced to crowd into evacuation camps.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the unfavorable conditions in evacuation camps expose individuals staying there, especially the children, to potential health risks.

Hataman led a team of ARMM officials, which included Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia, in the inspection of evacuation sites in the town of Saguiaran in Lanao del Sur last June 17.

Based on initial evaluation, sanitation facilities are needed in at least three evacuation sites in Lanao del Sur – two in the town of Saguiaran and one in Malabang.

The ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will construct a total of 20 toilets in two evacuation camps in the town of Saguiaran and 10 toilets in Malabang. The construction will also include washing and bathing facilities and the provision of water tanks.

The facilities, which will be separate for male and female, will cater to a total of at least 500 families.

Hataman said it will help improve conditions in the evacuation camps and reduce the risk of health problems.

The ARMM, in coordination with other government agencies responding to the Marawi City crisis, is utilizing the Disaster Assistance and Family Access Card (DAFAC) system to ensure efficient relief distribution and to evaluate the status and appropriate needs of affected families.

In addition to the region’s Crisis Management Committee in Cotabato City, the ARMM has established operation centers in Iligan City and the town of Malabang to facilitate the coordination of its humanitarian response, which include relief and medical aids and rescue and retrieval operation of trapped civilians.

Hataman said the ARMM will be transferring its operation center in Iligan City to Marawi City to improve relief efforts and other humanitarian interventions to families who have evacuated to different towns in Lanao del Sur. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

MTDCPI extends aid to Marawi IDPs

CHILDREN CARE --- Her Royal Highness Hadja Putri Bai Rhanee Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano-Adam distributes relief packs and toys to children IDPs during a recent humanitarian aid in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. At inset is Mindalano-Adam together with her husband, His Majesty Hadji Datu Lihondo E. Adam, during one of the relief operations. (MTDCPI – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Maharadjah Tabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MTDCPI) in partnership with Muslim Aid Philippines extended humanitarian aid to the affected population of the ongoing Marawi City crisis.

Her Royal Highness Hadja Putri Bai Rhanee Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano-Adam, president and chief executive officer of MTDCPI, said that from June 1-24, they distributed 2,590 complete Iftar meals composed of cooked rice, fried chicken, cookies, bottled water, including toys and party food for children affected by conflict in Marawi City.

“For 15 days in the ground making row in Ramadan, we've been cooking and distributing thousands of Iftar meals to the children internally displaced persons  from the Marawi siege and trying to reach the unreachable home-based IDPs. While the world is full of conflict, we chose a life of sharing goodness and bringing joy to others,” said Mindalano-Adam.

Mindalano-Adam said they also gave infant milks and packs of diapers together with some 500 food and toys intended for the children IDPs.

She added that they have also provided food packs composed of rice, sardines, noodles, and kids food along with one piece of garment to at least 3,500 households or equivalent to 17,500 individuals.

“The recipients of the food packs were mostly home-based and some at the evacuation centers in Lanao Builders (Iligan City), Mahayahay (Iligan City), Tubod (Iligan City), Ameerah Mosque (Tibanga, Iligan City), Luinab (Iligan City), three evacuation centers in Balo-i (Lanao del Norte), Poblacion of Sultan Naga Dimaporo(Lanao del Norte), Bangaan of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte), Bauyan of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte), municipality of Madalum (Lanao del Sur), and Municipality of Madamba (Lanao del Sur),” said Mindalano-Adam.

Mindalano-Adam shared that in times of crisis, they believe in the value of saving lives, in respecting the human rights and never seeing them hurt.

“We feel the need to share our part in protecting, educating, feeding, and loving the orphaned children, most especially that we've entered the most blessed nights of the entire year, the Holy Month of Ramadhan,” she said.

Further, the royal woman said that under “Care the Children,” which is another wing of the MTDCPI, intends to dedicate in helping the oppressed children of Mindanao.

“The feeling is surreal each time we see the smile of these children IDPs when we handled out food for Iftar. There is some ounce of happiness and we hope it's a turning point to a brighter future. Inshallah,” she added.

Through the years, the Royal Empire of Maharajah Tabunaway Kinship and the MTDCPIlead in various humanitarian services to the people and now tothe refugees from the Marawi siege.

“We've been doing humanitarian services for more than five years and from day one of the Marawi clash, we've been on the ground trying to reach the unreachable IDPS to share our simple love and support to them. First, we would like to thank our major sponsor (Muslim Aid Philippines) for the food items. Secondly, our gratitude to our other sponsors, too. Thank you so much for the love and your continued support to our advocacy in serving humanity,” Mindanlano-Adam said.

In this line, Mindalano-Adam is inviting traditional leaders and royalties from all over Mindanao to join them in this initiative.

“Let us work together, be united and open our heart without any mental and self-preservation,” she said.

The MTDCPI is a non-governmental organization founded and incorporated in the office of Securitiesand Exchange Commission (SEC) on the 6th of September 2011 with registration number CN201115711.

The MTDCPI is the official and sole organization in charge of implementing the programs and activities of the Royal Empire of Rajah Tabunaway Kinship in Mindanao Darussalam Philippines.

It is a mass based community non-government organization and promotes health care and humanitarian services which overthe years extended coverage in the Mindanao area and the whole country to respond to the current need of the Bangsamoro and the tri-people in order to sustain and strengthen, promote human rights cultural heritage, peace and capacity building, good governance initiatives and humanitarian crisis to marginalized and underprivileged Muslim Ummah of the Philippines. (GILMHAR A LAO & ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Displaced boy dreams of becoming an engineer

MARAWI CITY ---Life in evacuation camps can be hard. Families have to huddle together in cramped spaces and have to make do with whatever donations they receive.

It is gloomy and not exactly the kind of setting that would inspire someone who has to contend with the struggles of the daily survival there to set a life goal.

“Dati, hindi ko po alam ano batalaga gusto ko paglaki ko. Pero dahil sa nangyari ngayon, gustung-gusto ko na maging engineer. Gusto ko makapagpatayo ng mga bahay,” 11-year old Jamar Datu Maas said as he scans the families staying at an evacuation camp in Saguairan, a town few kilometers from Marawi City.

The conditions in the evacuation camp have inspired Jamar to dream of becoming an engineer to help build houses for people in his hometown of Marawi.

He is the eldest among a sibling of three, and their mother Kuray, 28, is a single-mom who supports them by peddling vegetables around their lakeside village of Caloocan.

Their life before the May 23 siege was simple, but they were happy, he said.

He was playing with friends outside their house that Tuesday afternoon when the fighting broke out.

“Naglalaro kami ng mga kaibigan ko tapos may nakita kami nalimang ISIS (Maute/Abu Sayyaf group members) nadumaan, natakot kami at tumakbo kasi baka barilin kami,” he said.

Their family would have to later on take an 11-kilometer journey by foot with the little belongings they managed to carry as the fighting between the local terror groups and the government forces intensified.

“Simula bahay namin, tumakbo, naglakad lang kami papalayo kasi wala kami sasakyan, hanggang sa naabot kami dito sa Saguiaran,” he said.

Despite the weeks of government offensives, part of the city, including Barangay Caloocan, remains in the control of the terrorists.

More than 240 families, including Jamar’s family of  four, are crowded together in a 900 square-meter covered court in Saguiaran that has limited sanitation facilities and, save for the roof, offers little protection from the elements.

The regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has promised to start building additional toilets, washing and bathing facilities in the camp within the week.

The harsh conditions in the camp haven’t dampen the spirit of Jamar and children like him, whose formal education has now been put on hold.

“Sana mataposnaitonggulo, gustung-gusto kona mag-aral,” he said,

“Gusto ko matulungan ang nanay ko kasi kawawa lang sya, siya ang bumubuhay sa amin. Pero paano ko siya matutulungan magulo sa lugar namin, na bombahan na bahay namin.”

Most of the houses in Barangay Caloocan are believed to have already been destroyed. It is within Marawi’s Marinaut district, which has been the target of intense aerial bombardment.

Jamar, who is in 5th grade, promised to embark on becoming an engineer when the situation normalizes.

He beamed with enthusiasm and said: ”Pag naging engineer na ako, gagawa ako ng bahay para sa lahat ng mga tao dito sa evacuation center, libre na yun.” (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Defense measures up

SECURITY --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi convenes last June 21 the CPOC as the city government strengthens its fight against terrorism. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government strengthens its fight against terrorism as Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi convened last June 21 the quarterly City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) held at South Seas Convention Hall.

Guiani-Sayadi took the opportunity to give her clear-cut instructions in safeguarding the city from acts of terrorism, saying: “The safety of the residents remains to be my top priority.”

The city government held its Peace and Order Council meeting hours after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) offensive in Pigcawayan, a nearby town in North Cotabato.

Jonas Mohamad, chair of Barangay Poblacion 9 (Biniruan), reported sighting of some 100 armed men from Kabuntalan, Maguindanao across a river hours before the group attacked the nearby villages of Malagakit and Simsiman in Pigcawayan.

The reported sighting of the armed groupprompted city government to raise security alert measures.

It was learned that the BIFF members attacked two farming villages in Pigcawayan where they used the civilians as human shields to prevent soldiers from getting close to their positions. They raided the outposts of community watchmen, looted houses, took farm animals, and ransacked a school in Barangays Simsiman and Malagakit.

“I met once again with the Peace and Order Council in the midst of the crisis happening in places near our city. I especially addressed our barangay officials and urged them to perform their duties as elected officials 24 hours a day. In addition, I would also want to remind them to continue the war against drugs and other crimes,” said Guiani-Sayadi.

Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia, city police director, said there is a collaborative contingency plan crafted by the city government, the police, and the Army.

“The contingency plan involves clustering of endangered areas and strict checkpoint inspection of suspicious-looking motorists and passengers and how to safeguard the barangays, most especially along the river tributaries,” Valencia said.

While terrorism poses a threat, the mayor said “we still have an ongoing war against illegal drugs.”

“These absentee barangay officials should watch it. It is stated in the local government code that the mayor has the power to recommend for the imposition of sanctions against erring and uncooperative barangay officials for grave neglect of duty,” Guani-Sayadi stressed.

In a previous gathering last June 14, the 37 barangays of this city have strengthened their support to the local government’s fight against terrorism.

Guiani-Sayadi said the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) of the city’s 37 barangays should be pro-active and help the law enforcers in securing the city and at all times “be ready to defend it.”

Each barangay has a BPAT or Tanods as well as Civilian Voluntary Organizations are willing to defend their respective area of responsibility.

“I urge everyone to fight if we must. We must not be scared because there is nothing to fear,” said Guiani-Sayadi.

The lady mayor reiterated that there is nothing to fear and Cotabateños are advised not to panic and continue with their daily activities.

“Remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcers at all times. Each and every Cotabateño should have a watchful eye. The LGU, the PNP, and the Army shall protect the people, but we should all cooperate and discipline our ranks, too. Fight if we must. This is our place," the mayor said.

With the full backing of all the BPAT members who have pledged to defend their communities against lawless elements, the city government is confident in safeguarding the city.

The city government of Cotabato, the city's local police, and the Army-led Joint Task Force Kutawato are working hand-in-hand in maintaining peace and order in the city and keeping its communities secured.

Further, basic utility firms on power and communication have been on 24/7 alert.

“I appeal to the PLDT, Globe and Smart Telecommunications to ensure good service because it is a dire need, especially at these times,” the mayor said.

Attendees during the CPOC included representatives from thePNP, AFP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, telecommunications companies, Department of Education, barangays, and city government departments. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Contingency plan

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) here has laid down a multi-sectoral contingency plan to address threats of terrorism.

The contingency plan came about after the sighting on Wednesday (June 21) of some 100 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) traversing the peripheries of nearby Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, on their way to Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, where they attacked and occupied three remote villages for several hours.

A day-long gun battle ensued between government forces and BILFF militants following the incident.

Prior to the Pigcawayan attack, Poblacion 9 Barangay Chairman Jonas Mohamad here reported to local authorities about the presence of the BIFF rebels aboard 10 motorized bancas traversing Kakar River that separates his village and Kabuntalan town.

“The rebels were proceeding to Pigcawayan town using the river when sighted by my co-villagers,” Mohamad said.

River patrols by government forces were fortified to block any rebel group that might use the same route in reinforcing or withdrawing from their Pigcawayan position.

“I would just like to tell Cotabateños not to worry as our security forces are in place and ready at all times,” Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani – Sayadi, concurrent CPOC chair, told newsmen prior to the conduct of the 2nd quarter CPOC meeting held last June 21.

Apart from the local police force, the city is also currently secured by the presence of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division headquarters in adjacent Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and its Special Forces Battalion stationed in the heart of the city.

Recently, the city government has also activated the service of some 1,000 city village watchmen as force multipliers in defending peace and order in their respective communities.

The mayor said the contingency plan involves the participation of the local power firm, the city water district, and the business sector, among others.

“The contingency plan was devised so that the various sectors would know what to do in times of trouble,” Sayadi said.

She reiterated in assuring the public that the city has “sufficient” government forces to parry any future attacks that might be launched by criminal elements here.

“Be vigilant but remain calm,” the mayor said. (EOF/PNA-COTABATO / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Buldon holds Muslim summit vs. terrorism, criminality, illegal drugs

COMMITMENT --- Buldon Mayor Abolais Manalao (6^th from left) vows to fight terrorism during a summit against terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs last June 20 with the help of the authorities, religious leaders, and town residents following the recent attack of the Maute Group in Marawi City. (ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAON EXPOSE’

BULDON, Maguindanao --- The local government of this town is determined to support the national leadership with the conduct of the “Muslim Summit against Terrorism, Criminality and Illegal Drugs” last June 20 held at the municipal gymnasium.

With the theme “Unity and Harmony amidst Diversity towards Peace and Security for Better Buldon,” Mayor Abolais Manalao said terrorism is an urgent and critical security threat.

Manalao said the threat of violence and terrorism hampers the economic growth in their area.

The recent Maute Group’s terror attacks in Marawi City shows their barbaric deeds.

“For one thing, the threat of terrorism is not only the problem and responsibility of our local leaders but of religious leaders as well since many terrorists misrepresent and misuse the Islamic faith to justify violence and terrorism,” Manalao said.

During the summit, religious leaders have emphasized that Islam could not be used to justify violent extremism and terrorism.

Ustadz Azis Ragundo, deputy mayor for religious sector, said proper education is necessary to rediscover Islamic faith.“Through this, we could prevent terroristic acts.”

Individuals giving their messages of commitment included Dr. Ali H. Musa, student/Arabic representative Yassin Abdullah, student/ English representative Jonair Palawan, Aleem Ismael Ito of the Imam sector, and District Supervision Arabic Mohammad Anwar M. Abdullah.

Those who gave their messages of support included MLGOO Latipa A. Dalinding, PNP-Maguindanao Provincial Director Col. Agustin J. Tello, AFP representative Col. Markton Abu, and Vice-Mayor Atty. Cairoden Pangunotan.

                               

Col. Tello said the summit would synchronize measures on how to restrain criminality, terrorism, and illegal drugs which affect the peace and order situation in the locality.

“Since the LGUs areat the forefront of this battle, they have a major role in combating terrorism. The summit will help confront terrorism at the municipal level,” said Col. Tello.

Manalao said religious leaders can contribute to the advocacy against terrorism by educating people about the true teachings of Islam.

“Close coordination at all times can help put an end to terrorism. We will continue to fight to have a peaceful Buldon,” the mayor said.

Other officials in the event were Lt. Col. Gerry Besana of the Army’s 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the 6^thInfantry Division, 37th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Florencio Politud Jr., and 603^rd Brigade commander Col. Jesus Sarsagat. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA– MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

DPWH turns over relief aid for IDPs

HELP COMES ---DPWH relief aid for Marawi evacuees arrive Cotabato City. (BPI-ARMM)

A total of 450 sacks of rice, 90 boxes of canned goods, and 69 boxes of 3 in 1 coffee have been turned over to the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)   from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - central office as support for the humanitarian assistance for Marawi evacuees.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar directed DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain to lead the turn-over.

Sadain was assisted by Assistant Director Rosie Javate of DPWH-12 and District Engr. De Marlode Guia of DPWH Cotabato City.

The humanitarian assistance was received by ARMM Executive SecretaryLaisaAlamia, together with DPWH-ARMM Secretary Don Loong in a short turn-over ceremony last June 22 at the ARMM's seat in Cotabato City.

Sadain said the assistance was sourced out through a solicitation in all offices and instrumentalities of DPWH nation-wide that generated a total of P4.7 million.

The DPWH has also distributed its first round of assistance to five evacuation centers in Iligan City last June 14.

The DPWH-ARMM, on the other hand, will lead in the construction of toilets, bathing and washing facilities in some of the evacuation camps in Lanaodel Sur to promote hygiene and sanitation and ensure the health and well-being of families staying there. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION– ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Trilateral maritime patrols to boost business confidence

ZAMBOANGA CITY ---The establishment of the trilateral maritime patrol (TMP) arrangement between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines last week will boost business confidence in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said atty. IshakMastura, chairman of the ARMM’s Regional Board of Investment.

“This (TMP) is an important development for the ARMM because people from our island- provinces have been doing cross-border trade since time immemorial and even before there were borders to cross,” Mastura said.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman also welcomed the TMP, saying it would ensure security for traders in the ARMM who are doing business in Malaysia and Indonesia. “This development will shore up trade and commerce in these areas,” he said, noting that this will also help small-scale enterprises in the region.

Governor Hataman said traders in the ARMM have been doing businesses in these neighboring areas for centuries through barter trading.

He said tighter security measures in the Sulu Sea would also help as the regional government is pushing for the revival of barter trading to curb smuggling activities in Southern Philippines.

“The incidents of piracy and lawlessness in the Sulu Sea did not prevent traditional cross-border trade but international trans-shipment was affected by it. By conducting trilateral border patrols, we believe that trans-shipment, wherein bigger volumes of cargoes are safely moved among the three countries, can make a comeback,” said Mastura.

The departments of defense of the three nations have agreed to step-up security measures in the roughly one million square-kilometer tri-border area in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas. This tri-border area is among the major trade routes in Southeast Asia.

The area is also the fishing ground of commercial fishery operators, specifically those into tuna and sardines operations. This route is also used by Indonesian suppliers of coal for power plants in Mindanao and in the trans-shipment of major goods between Sabah in Malaysia and the island- provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi.

The TMP was agreed upon following a spike in hijacking in the last quarter of 2016, where local terrorist Abu Sayyaf group attacked international vessels and kidnapped sailors. To date, there are still five Vietnamese sailors that are in the hands of the bandits.

Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi, who also oversees the operations of the Maritime Command Center in Bongao, Tawi-tawi under the Joint Task Force IndoMalPhil, said the initiative is also aimed at combating the present threat of jihadist groups, which use this route in setting up cells in the three neighboring countries. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Campaign starts for ‘Letters of Hope’

COTABATO CITY ---People from other regions and those living overseas can reach out to soldiers as well as displaced residents of Marawi through “Letters of Hope.”

The campaign was started by a group of private individuals in Luzon in coordination with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) Cabinet Secretary Khal Mambuay-Campong.

“Actually, this idea started when a doctor who visited Marawi City launched a donation drive for garments and thank you notes to the soldiers in the city fighting the local terror groups,” Secretary Campong said.

Assisted by her colleagues from Luzon, Campong initiated the delivery of the letters not only to soldiers but also to civilians affected by the month-long fighting between government troops and local terror groups.

Official data from the ARMM’s Crisis Management Committee, as of June 15, showed a total of 252,282 individuals, or 51,651 families, who have been displaced by the crisis and are now in evacuation centers or are staying with their relatives.

Rinz Araneta, a teacher from PAREF Woodrose School in Ayala Alabang in Metro Manila, said her group has seen the positive impact of this campaign to the soldiers, thus, extending the campaign to include civilians, especially those most affected by the crisis.

The campaign also allows sending messages of hope through the email address: mgzaraneta@gmail.com.

“As our letters make their way to our noble soldiers, let us also extend this spirit of love and oneness to those severely affected by this war – our displaced brothers and sisters,” Araneta said.

“Let us send them letters that express love, that give hope, that show, or maybe, even just attempt at understanding,” Araneta added.

She explained that a page with a heartfelt message can motivate the victims.

The Education department’s provincial office in Cavite also issued a memorandum requesting all the schools to encourage teachers and students to send letters to the victims.

“It’s an expression of motivation and hope. We, the people of Marawi, need the prayers and words of hope,” said Campong who is from Marawi City.

She said those who are interested in sending letters to children and parents in Marawi City can send through Araneta's e-mail address, or through drop-off points at Quezon City Science High School and at Veritas Catholic School in Paranaque.

She noted that many individuals have expressed their interest in delivering the letters.

In the first week of July, the group ofCampong and Araneta will distribute the collected letters to the evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM / MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Civilian hostages in Pigcawayan rescued by government forces

CAMP SIONGCO --- The troops of Joint Task Force Central successfully rescued 31 hostages held by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) following the harassment of the latter at the  Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay  Malagakit  last June 21.

Troops of the 602nd Brigade advanced towards Malagakit Elementary School at around six in the evening to rescue the hostages held by the BIFF.And upon seeing the government troops, the bandits hastily retreated going to Barangay Simsiman leaving behind their captives.

Upon learning the arrival of government troops and the retreat of the BIFF, other civilians hiding inside their houses for fear of being accosted by the armed band went out and joined the hostages.

Thirty-one freed hostages and the 32 other trapped civilians have been secured at the Battalion Tactical Post of 34th Infantry Battalion for proper disposition.

Barangay Malagakit has been cleared from the BIFF bandits. Pursuit operation then was conducted against the fleeing bandits. (6^th ID – MINDANAON EXPOSE’)

Pagalungan to combat terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs

PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao --- This local government is bound to strengthen security among its constituents with the upcoming conduct of summit against terrorism, criminality, and illegal drugs.

Mayor Salik P. Mamasabulod said he released a policy statement that re-affirms the commitment of the barangay officials in the government’s fight on the aforementioned.

In a meeting last June 22, Mamasabulod said he gathered the barangay officials from the 12 barangays and reiterated their specific tasks.

“We would want them to be responsible in doing their specific functions and tasks and they are obliged to do what is right within the bounds of their barangays,” the mayor said.

Mamasabulod said he ordered the barangay officials to closely coordinate with the municipal government and authorities regarding peace and security issues.

“I told them to coordinate at all times with our local police and the armed forces to ensure the safety of our populace. Our Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils are in place,” Mamasabulod said.

Further, Mamasabulod said that in the past they have already conducted series of Islamic Symposium anchored on anti-terrorism and illegal drugs.

“This summit will reinforce our endeavour in helping the campaign of the national leadership,” he said.

Meanwhile, the mayor said that since it’s Eid’l Fit’r, they gave at least 120 prayer mats to their 12 barangays.

“We handed over the prayer mats individually because it will signify their commitment in supporting our various programs,” he said.

The town also implements curfew hours in connection with the Martial Law in Mindanao. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA)