COTABATO CITY --- Mayor Frances
Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi approved the proposed creation of the Cotabato City
Security Network and Standby Quick Reaction Force to further ensure a secured
environment here and as a way of intensifying the drive against criminalities
and different forms of threats, including acts of terrorism and extremism.
Col.
Edgar delos Reyes, commander of Task Force Kutabato, endorsed the formation of
this security network which was immediately given nod by the lady mayor during
the conduct of the 4th quarter meeting of the Cotabato City Peace and Order
Council last November 7 at the South Seas Function Hall.
The
task force commander said the establishment of the security network is a
necessitating measure since the task of security covers a wide area that also
needs the cooperation of the different sectors and the constituents themselves
in the drive of keeping the peace and repelling threats to stability.
As
this developed, the city government reiterates its continuing implementation of
the “No ID, No Entry” policy following the declaration by President
Duterte of martial law in Mindanao in
2017 amid the rise and threat of ISIS extremism. All forms of vehicles are
still being checked upon entry to the city “for security purposes.”
ISIS entry?
In
that 4th quarter meeting, the mayor said reports of the entry of ISIS-support
groups in one barangay in neighboring town of Sultan Kudarat last October 31
should not be treated as mere rumors but “a warning for continuous vigilance of
the people against threats.”
Acting on such report, security forces in Sultan
Kudarat, including local government officials, checked the veracity of the
allegation but then pronounced the issue as “false” or “fake news.”
Such
information came out of the social media which somehow threatened the community
and alerted the security forces to thwart any eventuality, which the lady mayor
said are “always that ready and prepared for response.”
She urged the constituents and barangay officials
to do their share in keeping the peace and upkeep the community’s security.
“This
issue should not be treated lightly and not as a joke,” Guiani-Sayadi said on
the ISIS entry tip.
Peace assessment
In
assessing the peace situation, the lady mayor commended the Cotabato City
Police Office and Task Force Kutawato for “a job well done” in the
commemoration of the November feast days.
Also
commended were the barangay officials and their Barangay Peace Action Teams,
the Bureau of Fire Protection, City Disaster Risk and Management office, Office
on Health Services, other line-agencies, and different non-government
organizations as well as group hot-lines for “ensuring a peaceful and safe
observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.”
The
mayor reminded the stakeholders on the onset of December when the city would
celebrate four major festivities --- Feast of Immaculate Conception (December 1
to 8), Shariff Kabunsuan Festival (December 14 to 19), Misa de Gallo for the Christians (December 16
to 24), and culmination of Christmas Day (December 25).
On
these occasions, she said: “I know we can maintain the peace, safety, and
security of our city as we mark these various celebrations and festivities. Let
us not lower our guard because the lawless elements are just around and looking
for a chance to do the evil thing.”
On
disaster readiness, the mayor called on the barangay governments “to see to it
that your respective barangay disaster teams are well prepared to respond to
the emergency, be it flood, fire, or earthquake.”
Firecracker ban
The
mayor also said the ordinance that totally prohibits firecrackers still stays
during the Christmas season. “The prohibition includes the distribution and use
of these firecrackers within the territorial jurisdiction of Cotabato City,”
adding: “This means people who would be enroute Cotabato City are not allowed
to bring along with them any firecracker kahit na sabihin nila na dadaan lang
sila rito o papunta sa probinsya ng North Cotabato o Maguindanao.” (Anne
Acosta)
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