P50T aid for families of SAF cops approved

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board approved yesterday P50,000 as financial assistance for the families of the two Cebuano members of the Special Action Force who were killed in the Mamasapano massacre.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who sponsored the resolution said the amount will be sourced from the governor’s office.

Both the municipalities of Consolacion and Dumanjug have also pledged to extend aid to the families of Windel Candano who was from Dumanjug and Romeo Cempron who was from Consolacion.

“The ill-fated members of the PNP (Philippine National Police)-SAF showed remarkable bravery and heroic deeds even to the extent of losing their most valuable lives just to execute their duties and responsibilities and honestly serve our beloved country Philippines,” reads part of a separate resolution the Board passed.

“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu… is one with the (families) of the deceased in their moment of loss and sorrow,” it adds.

The bodies of Cempron and Candano were flew in to Cebu last Saturday and were accorded arrival honors with police officials, as well as officials from the provincial government and the two towns, in attendance.

The two Cebuano cops were among the 44 members of the elite force who was to serve an arrest warrant on Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, but turned into a bloody firefight with the members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Assurance

In Cebu City, the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos - Visayas said yesterday it will continue to help maintain peace and order here amidst the brewing tension between government and militant Muslims. 

“We are assuring that the Muslims are partners of the government in implementing the peace and order process,” said NCMF-Visayas Director Malo Manonggiring.

He said culture, tradition, and culture should not be a hindrance to unity.

After all, he said, harmony is a mutual concern between government and the Muslim community.

“Tungod lang sa religion maghiwalay… magkapatid tayong lahat,” he said, adding, “Meron tayong mutual concern. Butihin natin ayon sa tamang paraan,” he added.

Mayor Michael Rama said the Muslim community has contributed greatly in maintaining harmony here. 

“I don’t want that they will be mistaken perhaps they could also be of assistance. The Muslim community has always been a great contribution in promoting tranquility and harmony in our city,” Rama said.

 Meanwhile, Manonggiring said he still favors the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law as it is one of the best solutions to solve the issues in Mindanao.

 “Of course, 101% agree. Doon matutuldokan ang problema. Pag-aralan maigi,” Manonggiring said.

 Magpale, for her part, pointed out the need for a thorough study of the BBL.

“I was all for it, but with the incident, let us study it some more. Let us give ourselves enough time,” she said.

A few days ago, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered for the temporary suspension of all the discussions and hearing involving the passage of the BBL.

This after the bloody encounter between the  police and a mixed group of members from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, which killed 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

“I am anxious to hear from the MILF leadership as to how we move forward from this. This MILF attack on government forces is a major obstacle to the long and lasting peace we have been working for in Muslim Mindanao,” Marcos said.

“I decided to suspend indefinitely all discussions and hearings related to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law until this is clarified. We cannot in conscience, proceed with these hearings while a cloud of serious doubt hangs over the security situation in the south,” he added.

Manonggiring said there is a need for continued peace talks and investigation to know the root of all the issues in the incident.

“Kailangan man usapang pangkapayapaan. Investigation… saan nagkamali, puno’t dulo para ma solusyonan,” he said.  (FREEMAN)