COTABATO CITY – The martial law in Mindanao has helped the local police and government security sector safeguard the Holy Week activities in the city and its environs.
Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, said the observance of Holy Week was very peaceful with no untoward incident reported in all police sub-stations across the city.
“We are happy to report that the city was calm, orderly and very peaceful during the past eight days that police and military were placed on heightened alert,” Octavio said.
He lauded the police force multiplier, the Army, the paramilitary troops and all other peacekeepers for a job well done. “But we remain our alert status because the lawless elements may strike anytime,” Octavio added.
In the area of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), the observance of the Holy Week and the whole Lenten season which lasted for 40 days, no major violence was reported, even in the so-called SPMS box.
SPMS refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo in Maguindanao where the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are operating.
“We are glad everyone cooperated during military inspection, during patrol operations,” Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6ID, said.
“We would like to commend the cooperation of the local officials and all stakeholders for helping the military in securing the land,” Encinas said.
The 6ID area of jurisdiction covers the provinces of Maguindanao, part of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and part of Lanao del Sur.
Following the peaceful and solemn observance of Holy Week, Encinas said the alert status of the Army remains in place as their campaign against loose firearms continue. (Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
