MANILA, Philippines–The Armed Forces of the Philippines is considering holding joint graduation exercises for schools in the areas affected by the massive military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebel group in Maguindanao.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said he would support the decision of the ground commander, Maj. Gen Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, on the matter.
“We are considering a proposal to identify a safe area where the joint graduation ceremonies can be conducted. We need to discuss and take collective decisions together with our partners,” Catapang said.
He said local government units and other government agencies like the Philippine National Police and the Department of Education will be consulted.
“We would like to see schoolchildren flocking to the schools in pursuit of education and better lives. We are delighted to see them finish school and receive their diplomas and recognition,” Catapang said.
“We understand the plight of the people who have fled to evacuation centers, especially the women, children and old people,” he added.
As of Saturday, the AFP placed the BIFF casualties of its offensive at 139 killed, 53 wounded and 12 arrested.
Catapang said the government forces would continue to conduct focused military operations against armed threats like the BIFF and the terrorists that they have been coddling in their communities.
He said the AFP had gained the momentum in the fight against lawlessness and would never abandon its mandate to protect the people.
Reinforcements
Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division has welcomed the arrival of the 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, to reinforce the troops in the campaign against the BIFF.
Brig. Gen. Manolito Orense, the assistant division commander of the 6th Infantry Division, led the Kampilan troops in welcoming the newly deployed unit from Samar province.
The 34th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Edgar de los Reyes, will help in maintaining peace and security in the division’s area of responsibility covering the provinces of Maguindanao and parts of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Sur.
The AFP said the deployment marks the start of the holding phase wherein government forces will establish encampments in former BIFF areas to prevent the armed lawless group from returning. It will also pave the way for the implementation of various development projects in the different communities in the affected areas, it said.