Arroyo to visit Lanao del Norte
President visiting known Bravo bailiwick
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:33:00 11/13/2008
Filed Under: Research & Development, Mindanao peace process, Government
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) After addressing the United Nations General Assembly on the importance of interfaith dialogue, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit Lanao del Norte Friday, one of the provinces where Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) staged bloody attacks in August, Malacañang said Thursday.
Arroyo will inspect a farm-to-market road and deliver grocery items, medicine, and hybrid corn seeds in the remote village of Putadon in Nunungan town on Friay, a known bailiwick of one of three MILF commanders behind the August attacks, Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.
According to the President's itinerary, she will stay in Nunungan for only 30 minutes before flying back to manila.
"We were talking about interfaith dialogue, that's why she [Arroyo] went to New York. So, that [Lanao trip] is one evident proof that we really value the peace," deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said.
Fajardo said it was safe for Arroyo to visit Lanao del Norte, noting that, "definitely, the PSG [Presidential Security Group] will not allow her to go there if it's not safe."
Arroyo will grant a live radio interview at the Macaraeg-Macapagal ancestral house in Tombagon village, Iligan City before going to Nunungan, the Palace said in a statement.
Government security forces are hunting down Macapaar and two other MILF commanders, Ameril Umbra Kato and Pangalian over the Lanao attacks, which left at least 12 people killed.
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