 |
| Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu answers media queries on Balik Baril program launching in the province that was attended on Wednesday (April 25) by President Rodrigo Duterte. (Photo by PMCO) |
BULUAN, Maguindanao -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to
Maguindanao on Wednesday would surely boost the government’s Balik Baril
program in the province, Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said.
While here, the President looked over and inspected some of the 900
loose firearms surrendered by civilians across the province in the past three
months and presented at the jampacked town gymnasium during the launch of the
disarmament program on Wednesday.
In exchange for the firearms, the President and the governor awarded,
in symbolic rites, livelihood assistance packages to families of surrendered
rebels in partnership with the provincial police and civilian authorities.
“Possession of guns only heightens the ego of holders and increases
their propensity to harm or dominate non-affluent people or groups. In most
cases, gun possession leads to loss of life or limb,” Mangudadatu told
reporters shortly after the President left for another commitment in General
Santos City on Wednesday evening.
The governor thus urged the youth to embrace the value of education and
avail of the province’s scholarship
program instead of treading the violent
life of a rebel.
“The pen of a scholar is mightier than the sword (gun) of a martyr,” he
said, citing the popular adage of the Prophet Mohammad in the Quran, and adding
his own perception that “pens enlighten while guns hurt and provoke hatred.”
(PNA/By Noel Punzalan)
No comments:
Post a Comment