DILG delivers aid to Mindanao towns hit by fighting
By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:46:00 08/25/2008
LANAO Del Norte, Philippines -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has distributed over P2 million in financial aid to Central Mindanao which suffered from recent attacks by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno approved the release of P2.1 million in financial aid to the towns of Kolambugan, which was given P500,000, and at least P300,000 each to Kauswagan and Linamon, with another P500,000 released to the local government of Ozamis City which served as holding area of evacuees from nearby towns attacked by the MILF.
The DILG also issued a new police patrol car to Kolambugan town after rebels burned the municipality's lone patrol vehicle.
Town mayors have also asked the government for more policemen and military over fears the MILF may attack them again.
However, Puno answered this call by deputizing police auxiliaries (PAs) from civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) in this town and other areas prone to attacks.
“Each barangay will be authorized to deputize five police auxiliaries who will be under the strict supervision of the Philippine National Police,” Puno said.
Earlier, the police said they were shipping some 1,000 shotguns to arm the police auxiliaries.
But Puno gave assurances that those issued firearms will undergo a "rigid screening process" and training program before they can be deputized as armed police auxiliaries.
He also warned local government units against connivance with the MILF or using the police auxiliaries as private armies, else they will face administrative charges.
He warned that abuses will lead to the automatic revocation of the authority of police auxiliaries in their areas.
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