MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur. Nov. 6 (PIA) -- A lawmaker representing the women sector in the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has convened stakeholders in the province to address security concerns inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus.
RLA Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis initiated the meeting after a fire incident transpired in an internet café inside the commercial center of the university on October 25 killing its owner, Professor Othello Cobal, and student assistant Erwin Diaz.
The dialogue, held at the MSU-Mamitua Saber Research Center on November 2, was attended in by officials from the MSU, 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, Joint Task Force Ranao, MSU Peacekeeping Force, Provincial Government and the City Government.
Representatives from the religious sector, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and media were also present.
Gutoc-Tomawis said the absence of clear policies and regulations on building establishments, private houses and cottages; absence of fire truck, fire hydrant, and ambulance; untapped local government support; and lack of coordination with the seven barangays within the university were just some of the concerns raised during the dialogue.
At the end of the dialogue, she said the participants have moved for a thorough investigation of the incident to identify suspects of the arson and murder.
They also agreed that there is a need to strengthen security policies and increase police patrolling and visibility in the campus.
A Board Resolution to regulate entry into the campus was likewise recommended.
The Assemblywoman further said the participants also formed an organization, called Multi-Sectoral Cooperation for Peace, and passed a resolution formally declaring MSU as a Zone of Peace.
She said a similar resolution will also be filed at the RLA.
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