AFP to secure joint graduation rites in turbulent areas in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has directed the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, to facilitate the peaceful graduation ceremonies in the affected areas of the offensives in Maguindanao.

“The Department of Education has proposed at least 15 areas where 65 schools would be clustered for the joint graduation ceremonies,” AFP Public Affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said on Monday.

The proposed graduation ceremony will be held from March 25 to 27.

A consultation meeting among the local government units in affected areas was held on Monday to discuss several issues regarding the proposed graduation ceremony.

On Tuesday, the provincial government of Maguindanao is planning to convene the Provincial Peace and Order Council in Buluan to receive feedbacks from the local chief executives of the affected families.

The Maguindanao government last week requested a halt to the offensives by the military against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in order to allow the graduation of the students.

Law enforcement operations would be continuously conducted in areas believed to be the new hideouts of the BIFF.

The AFP and PNP will secure the sites where the graduation ceremonies will be held, and at the same time identify the areas where residents can safely return.