ARMM peace council passes anti-terror, drug ops resolutions

A resolution mandating local government units in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to have a regular allocation for traditional madaris was passed during the 4th Regional Peace and Order Council meeting in Cotabato City last December 4.

This resolution complements the recent drafting of the Unified Standard Curriculum for the Traditional Weekend Madrasah by the regional Bureau of Madaris. Together, these provides a strong foundation for a values-based education in the region grounded on true Islamic beliefs and teachings.

It is one of four resolutions that were passed during the meeting, all targeting terrorism and drugs in the region.

One resolution was passed to request the Supreme Court to designate special courts that will handle drug cases in the five ARMM provinces, while the other two resolutions were dedicated to the creation of an Anti-Terrorism Task Force and a Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

The memorandum regarding the nation-wide anti-drug abuse campaign issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government only mandates that anti-drug abuse councils be established at the various local government levels. Considering the autonomous nature of the ARMM, establishing a council at the regional level is being eyed.

Governor Mujiv Hataman presided over the meeting with members of the RPOC, including Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the 6th Infantry Division, and Col. Gene Ponio of the 1st Infantry Division.

During the meeting, the Police Regional Office-ARMM also discussed the latest crime statistics in the region, along with rido (family feud), kidnapping cases, insurgency, and other related incidents. Updates regarding threats posed by groups espousing violent extremism in the region were provided by representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, while the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-ARMM discussed the ongoing drug-clearing operations across the ARMM. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION – ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)