14 BIFF combatants and 10 CTG members return to gov’t side and join society

By PNP XII

The return of the 24 indviduals to the fold of the law was in pursuit of a peaceful life in their chosen communities. The surrender of the combatants is the result of the sustained intelligence activities, diplomatic efforts, and strong campaign against terrorism and insurgency of the peacekeeping forces of the region coupled with the support of the local officials and the community.

Recovered from the surrenderees were their high-powered firearms including explosive devices namely: six units 7.62 caliber Barret with magazine; two units M1 Garand rifle; one unit 50 caliber Barret; oneunit M16 5.56 rifle; one-unit M79 grenade launcher; one ultimax M16 rifle; three units improvised RPG launcher; two pieces of mug bomb; one unit improvised 60mm mortar; five pieces of Improvised Explosive Devices and one-unit homemade shotgun. firearms and will undergo briefing and processing for their eventual reintegration to society.

Police Major General (PMGen) Albert Ignatius Ferro, Director of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) remarked that, “We are now experiencing the gradual death of the political ideologies of rebel groups, thanks to the genuine efforts of the government to restore normalcy.” He further assured that the entire police force will continue to work with the LGUs, concerned government agencies, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in convincing the remnants of armed rebel groups in Mindanao to give up on violence to achieve political goals.

Meanwhile, PBGen Alexander C Tagum, Regional Director of Police Regional Office XII guaranteed that the former rebels will enjoy the privilege to live with safety and securely among the people of SOCCSKSARGEN. “PNP-PRO 12 commits to continue to work diligently to ensure that SOCCSKSARGEN will not only be a safe place to live and work, but also a community where residents can do business freely without the threat of illegal activities which endanger the economic growth of the region,” PBGenTagum said. (Consolidated from the news articles submitted by Police Regional Office XII)

A total of 14 members the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Karialan Faction and 10 members of Communist Terrorists Groups (CTG) operating in the municipalities of Tampakan and T’boli in South Cotabato, voluntarily surrendered to government authorities on January 17, 26, and March 29, 2022.

DPWH turns over DFA Consular Building to LGU Kidapawan

By Jose Anthony Laurent P. Octavio, NEDA XII

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato – The new office building of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Kidapawan City was finally turned over to the City Government of Kidapawan by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII-Cotabato Second District Engineering Office (2nd DEO) in a formal turnover ceremony January 05, 2022.

This project is a fulfillment of the long-standing clamor of the people in the northern part of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region to avail of the various services of DFA. Furthermore, the project will eliminate the need to travel lengthy hours and queue as early as dawn in the nearest DFA Consular Offices in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, and Tagum.

In his message, North Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan emphasized that this office building will be a “structure of good governance” wherein all people who have entered will eventually go out with much gladness because of the best services they have availed from the DFA personnel who will be deployed in the said consular office.

Governor Catamco highlighted that when it comes to development and for the people of the province, leaders set aside political affiliations and unite together for the good of all their constituents.

On the other hand, RDC Secretary and NEDA XII ARD Matabang said that the opening of the DFA Consular Office in Kidapawan is “in line with the realization of enhancing efficiency in delivering public services to the people and advancing the welfare of our migrant workers and Overseas Filipinos, as enshrined in Chapters 5 and 21 of the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan 20172022 Midterm Update”.

The DFA Consular Office Building was built on a lot donated by the LGU-Kidapawan and was funded through the initiative of the Office of the Second Congressional District Representative. The construction commenced on November 18, 2020, and was finally completed in December 2021. Once operational, the DFA Consular Office will also serve people from the adjacent provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

IN PHOTO. Ribbon-cutting ceremony led by (from left) 2nd District Rep. Rudy S. Caoagdan, Cotabato Gov. Nancy A. Catamco, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph A. Evangelista, RDC XII Secretary and NEDA XII Assistant Regional Director Carmel P. Matabang, and DFA Consular Office General Santos City Administrative Officer Lizel A. Decrepito.