DSA holds interfaith security, economic summit

VIGILANCE MOVEMENT --- Local officials, authorities, religious leaders, and populace joined the one-day Interfaith Security and Economic Summit last December 14 held at the municipal gymnasium of Datu Saudi Ampatuan with the aim to address the emergence of violent extremism and terrorism. (GILMHAR A. LAO WITH PHOTOS BY ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN (DSA), Maguindanao --- Hundreds of local officials and Moro religious leaders in this townand nearby municipalities gathered last December 14 for a one-day Interfaith Security and Economic Summit held at the municipal gymnasium of this town.

Mayor Bai Anida A. Dimaukom said the activity aims at addressing the emergence of violent extremism and terrorism.

She said the theme of the summit is “Correct Understanding of Respective Faith: A Key against Extremism, Terrorism and Illegal Drugs for Peace and Progress.”

Brig. Gen.Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 601^st Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the stakeholders’ participation in the government’s campaign against terrorism is important to save the less educated people from various communities.

“We are open to the opinions and suggestions of Moro elders and religious leaders on how to effectively address the issue,” Brig. Gen.Carreon said.

“The safety of every Maguindanaon is our utmost priority,” he further said.

Vice-Mayor Bailon S. Dimaukom said they have also sought the opinion of religious leaders on matters directly affecting public security.

Further, also discussed during the summit was the current war on illegal drugs by the Duterte administration, which, according to Mayor Dimaukom, has been producing good results in the municipality.

Mayor Dimaukom said their aim is to spread the true teachings of Islam.

Aso in attendance during the event were DarulIfta Grand Mufti Sheikh Abo Huraira Udasan, Lt. Col.Markton G. Abu of the 6^thID, Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr., OMI, Lt. Col. Alvin G. Iyog of the 2^ndMechanical Battalion, Datu  Salibo Mayor Norodin Salasal, a representative from the local government of Datu Piang, Ustadz Mohammad Said Akmad, Eduardo Diestro, Pastor Juvinal Tenorio, and Ustadz Zainudin Mento. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)