Lanao Executives, Military and US Forces Excited Over Projects

Tubod, Lanao del Norte (17 October). In a bid to explore and take advantage of available support to assist in the developmental projects in Lanao del Norte, local military authorities along with their American counterparts sought audience with Provincial Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo who was just as excited to engage.

The commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade, Colonel Benito de Leon, based in the province introduced United States Army Captain Christian Knutzen and his team who were there to determine appropriate projects that the US Government will support to benefit the populace. Captain Knutzen heads the American team, the Liaison Coordination Element 1233 based in Marawi City, under the Special Operations Task Force 12 of the US Army. This team’s mission is to assist in civil-military projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addition to training exchanges with the local security forces in the area.

In a hastily convened meeting attended by the municipal mayors and jointly presided by the governor and 2^nd District Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo of the province, De Leon justified the presence of the Americans as part of the Visiting Forces Agreement and in pursuit of their national interest of extending humanitarian aid to promote security. Knutzen, on the other hand, explains that they work through the local military in undertaking projects which may include roads, school buildings, and conducting medical and dental activities. The American officer also informs that Poona Piagapo, one of the troubled municipalities of the province, was earlier nominated to his headquarters for an allocation package to improve its roads. This and the upcoming projects intended to benefit the majority should help bring peace and development in the area, he hopes.

Considering the eager and various representations for projects from the mayors, Governor Dimaporo advised that proposals should be those that contribute to stability in the area. Congressman Dimaporo likewise promised to seek the inclusion of other projects in the Calendar Year 2009 Budget presently being deliberated in Congress.