MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The Philippine Marines assigned in the coastal areas of Lanao del Sur noted a significant decrease in the number of violent incidents in the area in the first semester of this year.
LtCol. Tino Maslan, Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) commander, reported during the second quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on Monday, June 21, that violent incidents in the coastal areas of the province dropped from 48 in the first semester of 2020 to 29 in the same period this year.
Shooting incidents registered the most notable decline from 25 last year to only 12 this year.
Maslan attributed the decrease to the proactive measures conducted by the MBLT-5 together with PNP Lanao del Sur which included the creation of 24/7 Joint Marine-PNP Quick Reaction Force stationed in Malabang Municipal Hall and the strict day-and-night checkpoint operations to impede the transport of loose firearms used in shooting incidents and rido-related violent incidents.
The MBLT-5 is also closely monitoring 52 rido (clan wars) in the coastal areas.
Maslan said they were able to settle together with concerned local government units (LGUs) a total of 22 ridos and spearheaded a ceasefire agreement between two warring political families in the municipality of Malabang.
Meanwhile, BGen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, assured that the Marines will continue to provide security to the residents and government facilities in the area. He also reiterated that peace and order operation is not only the responsibility of the military and the police but also requires the cooperation and collaboration of local government counterparts especially the local chief executives.
MBLT-5 covers the municipalities of Picong, Malabang, Balabagan, and Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)
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