Lanao rehabilitation pushed

Iligan City (16 November). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed the military today to hasten the return to normalcy of the communities affected by the August 18 atrocities caused by the lawless MILF group of Macapaar alias Bravo.

Secretary Teodoro who was on a surprise visit of the evacuation centers at the Municipalities of Munai and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte was accompanied by the Army commanders in the area to check on the conditions of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As the trip was unannounced moreso on a Sunday, local leaders were noticeably not around. Teodoro took time to find out the concerns of the IDPs which ranged from lack of medicines, dismal road conditions, inadequate schools, lack of water systems, and security assurances during military operations. He promised to elevate these for action by the concerned agencies. In responding to the concerns on the reported retaliation of “ilagas” (a local militia), the defense secretary was widely cheered by local Musim folks when he declared he would similarly run after groups that threaten their safety whether they be Christians or Muslims in the same manner the military is now hunting down Bravo. Rido (armed settlement of feuds) will not be tolerated, he adds.

Maj Gen Nehemias Pajarito, the 1^st Division Commander, subsequently instructed Col Benito de Leon, the 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander charged of Lanao del Norte, to help the IDPs to resettle in their respective residences, and to provide the necessary security arrangements. Pajarito also urged the local people to report the presence of lawless groups so the military and police can take action. He stresses that this is important to ensure their safety and the restoration of peace in their communities. The division commander also ordered his subordinates to extend security and assistance to agencies particularly those involved in developmental projects.

Meanwhile, De Leon reported that the communities in the province is now secured from the lawless MILF groups noting the absence of any atrocity for quite sometime as well as the successful conduct of special events and the smooth trips of visiting dignitaries. Last week despite threat reports, he says, President Arroyo even flew direct from her overseas trip to effectively inspect a road project in Nunungan, a hinterland municipality of the province. All these indicate that development projects to rehabilitate Lanao del Norte can now take a full swing, he concludes.