SSB holds summit against terrorism and illegal drugs

SECURITY --- Barangay officials and peacekeeping forces from the town’s 12 barangays pledge to defend their communities during the Peace Summit against Terrorism and Illegal Drugs last June 28. At inset is Mayor Ramdatu M. Angas (seated, 6^th from left) with local officials and authorities who urged constituents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the law enforcers at all times. (ANNE ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao --- This municipal government conducted last June 28 its Peace Summit against Terrorism and Illegal Drugs in a bid to safeguard the constituents away from threats to their lives and destructive vices.

Mayor Ramdatu Angas explained how important it is that the town constituents would be properly informed so they will not be influenced by the extremist groups and other criminal elements.

“Aside from terrorism, we have been strengthening our fight, too, against illegal drugs,” Mayor Angas said.

Further, EgayPadolino of the Department of the Interior and Local Government - Maguindanao, tackled the role of LGUs in ensuring peaceful and secured communities.

Lt. Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the 6^th Infantry Division, discussed the Understanding 2017 Martial Law Peaceful and Security Measures.

Mechanism and strategies in protecting barangays against terrorism and illegal drug activities were presented by PNP Maguindanao Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Agustin J. Tello.

Provincial Director Juvenal B. Azurin of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao discussed the policies, parameters and approaches in sustaining drug free communities/barangays.

Islam as a Religion of peace loving people was also tackled by the religious sector.

Meanwhile, various sectors have committed their support to the peace program, among them the religious groups, academe, barangay councils, women’s organizations, Council of Elders, municipal government departments, the youth, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams or Tanods, civil society organizations, the media, and government line-agencies. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)