Lanao Sur focuses on rido settlement, peacebuilding activities to fight lawless elements

MARAWI CITY - The provincial government of Lanao del Sur said it has set key strategies to address lawlessness in the area following a recent bomb attack inside the Mindanao State University during a Catholic mass that killed four people and wounded dozens more.

“Let us assure our communities that we are working together to ensure that lives and properties are secured and safe in Lanao del Sur,” Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said during the recent joint 4th quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-drugs Abuse Council (PADAC).

Adiong said the bomb attack claimed by ISIS has challenged their endeavors in ensuring that Marawi City and the entire province be free from lawless elements. “Though we already put a lot of effort into eliminating this problem, it has continued to be a rising concern in places most unexpected,” he said.

Adiong urged local leaders and partner agencies to work with them and the security sector to exhaust all means to eliminate the presence of lawless elements in the province. He emphasized that the 100% commitment of local leaders and stakeholders is crucial in nurturing peace, adding that peace and order must be felt in their respective areas of responsibility.

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, echoed the same appeal, especially in light of the fact that they have also been working to achieve their ultimate objective of driving out the PRO-ISIS extremist groups Dawlah Islamiya and Maute Group from the province.

Col. Billy Dela Rosa, Deputy Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, also stressed that while their dedication to keeping society safe remains, the primary factor to be considered should be the determination of the public to help one another to eventually overcome this challenge. He conveyed that this concern should not be trusted to government officials and the security sector alone, especially since this would require a collective effort.

“Huwag nating pabayaan si Governor at Mayor, at ang mga pulis at Sundalo. Kahit ilang libo pa ang mga sundalo dito sa Lanao del Sur, kung hindi kayo mag-cooperate, wala ring mangyayari,” said Dela Rosa.

Among the suggestions during the meeting were peacebuilding activities, settling disputes (rido), posting of terror group gallery, deploying modified teams to prevent and counter violent extremism, deradicalization of former extremists, transforming Moro National Liberation Front members, and building halfway houses. (Apipa Bagumbaran)