ARMM Officials, Multi- Sectors, Military and LGU's conducted a 3 -day conf. in Cagayan De Oro

Cagayan De Oro City - For the first time in the history of Lanao del Sur Province, local officials, high-ranking government officials, security and religious sectors, and other multi-sectorial organizations joined together in a three-day conference to discuss the present crisis in Marawi and to establish a common effort among all sectors.

Following the theme, "Towards Establishing a Unified Strength in Combating Violent Extremism," the 200 attendees came into an understanding on how they can individually and collectively take part and take actions in addressing the crisis in Marawi City, and in countering violent extremism in Mindanao.

They also discussed proposed security measures and formulated a statement that was presented to the Secretary of the National Defense, Honorable Delfin Lorenzana, during the culmination of the activity.

The Ulama-LGU Executives-Multi-Sectorial Groups Conference was held at N. Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City from September 4-6, 2017.

On Wednesday morning (September 6), Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command; Major General Ronald Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division; Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao; Governor Mujiv S Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Mamintal Adiong, Jr., Lanao del Sur Vice Governor; and Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City were among those present to grace the culmination ceremony.

They were welcomed by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, who said that the conference was the “first of its kind.”

The committee presented its statement to the Defense Secretary and key officials who responded to the concerns raised by the members of the said committee.

In his response, ARMM Governor Hataman said, “The problem in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is a national issue that demands the involvement of every individual, not only of the local chief executive or the president, and an outright solution that cannot simply be resolved in conferences, such as this."

Hataman further averred that violent extremism is one of the greatest challenges confronted by the Ulama.

“If the terrorists are willing to die for their wrong beliefs, then we have to fight for what is right. I hope they (terrorists) are willing to lose their lives when we are already there to defend ourselves. 

Tama na ang conferences. We have to act now and fight against their wrong ideologies. Ang kilos natin ngayon ay para imulat ang mga darating na henerasyon at ang buong sambayanan upang alamin ang ating kuwento,” he added.

For his part, the Marawi City Mayor also said, "Let us unite to resolve violent extremism and terrorism in Mindanao. Ako rin po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng nandito na patuloy na nagsusuporta sa amin. Nagkaroon po ako ng baptism of fire; I was able to encounter the greatest challenge in my life. I am your seeking your all-out support as we continue the fight in Marawi City."

The final and the most applauded response is from the Secretary of National Defense himself, Honorable Delfin Lorenzana: "I live near a mosque and I grew up listening to that prayer, and today it brings more meaning. 

The way the Ustadz was singing it, it was a good rendition for it was a cry for help to Allah."

Saying that he was elated to see that everyone is working together for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, the Defense Secretary added: “We are here because we have a common desire to resolve the issues that weaken our nation. Our country is facing a lot of problem that include terrorism, drug and crime syndicates. Let us continue to work together in countering these problems and in rebuilding our institutions."

The Defense Secretary also provided positive response to the issues presented by the body in the statement they have crafted. Among others are the issues on rehabilitation, military reservations, establishment of a pro-active community defense system, and establishment of a fix support system to the Madrasah operations.

Making the activity more solid and meaningful were the presence of the Ulama League of the Philippines; the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Lanao del Sur; the Mayors' League of Lanao del Sur; the Philippine Medical Association; the traditional leaders and sultanate; the business sector; the Moro Islamic Liberation Front; and the Philippines Councilors' League.