North Cotabato gov denies Christians, lumads have acquired guns in face of BBL

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza on Monday discredited a report attributed to “senior military official” about the supposed arming of Christian and lumad groups in North Cotabato in connection with the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Speaking to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mendoza said the provincial government has not monitored any group taking up arms because of the imminent passage of the law, which identified several North Cotabato villages under its core territory.

“That’s not true,” she said.

But Mendoza confirmed that many villagers have long been carrying firearms as members of the militia.

Mendoza also said that “if people in Mindanao and North Cotabato are arming themselves, these have been happening ever since due to the peace and order situation in the area.”

The areas where the supposed arming was taking place included the towns of Pikit, Kabacan and Carmen, Mendoza’s hometown.

“Nobody even came to us to solicit bullets so I don’t know where this report originated,” she said.

Col. Noel Clement, commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the military has not received any report of civilians or groups securing firearms and preparing against the BBL.

“Such information is unfounded and false,” Clement said.

Mendoza said the people of North Cotabato have grown tired or war and reports like this would only create instability.

“We are supportive of the government’s efforts to achieve peace,” she said. SFM