Col. Daniel Lucero made the appeal during the change of command ceremony held Tuesday at Kampo Ranao here in the city.
"I am requesting for the cooperation of government officials, religious and traditional leaders, members of the media and academe, non-government organizations and civil society groups emphasizing that the situation in the province affects not only the people of Mindanao but also the entire nation. Let us join hands and work as a forest rather than as trees in bringing peace and order in the province," he underscored.
Col. Lucero also directed his troops to protect the rights and freedom of the people of the province regardless of their tribal membership.
"I demand that you consult local leaders in your areas, respect their local customs and traditions and be sensitive to the cultural practices in the locality," he stressed.
The new commanding officer likewise directed the different battalion commanders to prepare their troops for the worst, keep them in tough shape and continuously prepare them for possible scenarios in the future.
"The brigade under my watch will be firm and determined to support and preserve the peace process initiated by the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, however, if it will be inevitable, we will see to it that the use of military force will be pursued so as to protect everyone’s rights and peace" he added. (Apipa P Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)
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