Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Troops help Lanao evacuees return home
A TOP military official has designated one of his brigade commanders to assist and speed up the return of evacuees to their respective homes in Lanao del Norte.
Major General Nehemias Pajarito, chief of the Army's 1st Infantry Brigade, instructed 104th Infantry Brigade chief Colonel Benito De Leon to provide security arrangements to ensure the safety of the returning evacuees.
Pajarito issued the order following the surprise visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro with instructions from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to check on the conditions of the evacuees at evacuation centers in the towns of Munai and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte.
Pajarito urged the people to report the presence of lawless groups "so that the military and police can take action" to ensure the safety and the restoration of peace in the conflict-affected communities.
He also ordered his field commanders to extend security and assistance to agencies particularly those involved in the implementation of developmental projects.
De Leon reported to Pajarito that conflict-affected communities in Lanao are now secured from the rouge Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.
He noted the absence of atrocities for quite some time now, as well as the successful conduct of special events and smooth trips of visiting officials.
Last week, President Arroyo flew direct to Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, from her overseas trip to inspect a road project despite reported threats from the outlaws.
In his visit last Sunday, Teodoro took time to find out the concerns of the evacuees that range from the lack of medicines, dismal road conditions, inadequate schools, lack of water systems, and security assurance during military operations.
Pajarito said Teodoro promised to elevate the concerns to the concerned government agencies so that proper actions could be undertaken.
The Muslim folks in Lanao del Norte cheered for Teodoro when he announced that any group, which threatens the safety of the civilians, will be dealt with accordingly, whether Christians or Muslims alike.
The Muslim folks raised concerns about retaliation from the so-called Ilaga, an armed civilian group mainly composed of Christians.
Teodoro said armed settlement of family feuds, locally known as "rido", will not also be tolerated, according to Pajarito.
The evacuees fled their homes when Commander Bravo led the attacks in several areas of Lanao del Norte last August 18.
The group of Commander Bravo is now in hiding since they are continuously pursued by government troops. (Bong Garcia)
