Villages support fight vs. terrorism

FIGHTING TERRORISM --- Village officials and peace-keeping forces from the city’s 37 barangays pledge to defend their communities against lawless elements during a gathering last June 14 at the People’s Palace grounds. At inset is Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi urging Cotabateños to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcers at all times. (Anne Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The 37 barangays of this city have strengthened their support to the local government’s fight against terrorism.

In a gathering last June 14 at the People’s Palace grounds, City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia 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 BPATs or Tanods as well as Civilian Voluntary Organizations who 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.

Anthony Ross, president of the Ligang mga Barangay, expressed the commitment of every barangay to guard the various communities of the city.

“Our barangay officials are doing the necessary actions to secure the safety of our populace. We have been patrolling day and night and we work on a 24/7 basis,’ he said.

In the midst of terrorism threat, the mayor has also made sure that it is business as usual in Cotabato City.

“The curfew that is being implemented is in compliance with the guidance of the Martial Law,” she emphasized.

Guiani-Sayadi said 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.

Just last June 14, Police Regional Office-12 Director Chief Superintendent Cedrick Train, together with Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Chief Superintendent Manuel Felix, visited the city mayor.

In a brief meeting with the city's chief executive, Train expressed how proud he was of the performance of the local government in helping attain the zero crime rate since the declaration of Martial Law has been in effect in this part of Mindanao.

He also committed to help and support the city amid the threat of terrorism that has been spreading fear among its citizens.

The city government of Cotabato, the city's local police, and the Army-led Joint Task Force Kutawato, has been working hand in hand in maintaining peace and order in the city and keeping its communities secured.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)