Military, local officials hold assembly in Maguindanao town after blast

May 26, 2020

Following Sunday's explosion in Maguindanao, the military and local officials conducted an assembly on Monday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said  local officials and military officers tackled  security issues.

Encinas said the assemby came following the explosion in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan on May 24  that killed two  civilians and wounded four others.

He said the meeting was held at the 601st Infantry Brigade headquarters   in Shariff Aguak presided by Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

Present during the meeting were Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Resty Sindatok, BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister  Naguib Sinarimbo, Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 1st Mechanized Brigade Commander, BGen Efren Baluyot, 601IBde Officer In-Charge Col. Joel Mamon, and other military officers.

Encinas said during the meeting "the local officials and military officers agreed to conduct an honest and parallel investigation to ensure transparency."

He said Sobejana also vowed to support the local government and other stakeholders for the immediate resolution of the case.

"We will let the Bayanihan spirit  work to give justice to the victims and ensure protection of the people from harm," Sobejana said. Robina Asido/DMS