Carnage looms in horizon as Maguindanao celebrates festival

BULUAN, Maguindanao—The killing of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province appeared to be a hazy image in the horizon as the province celebrated its week-long Sagayan Festival starting on Monday.

On Tuesday, at least 10,000 people packed the town gym here for the Palama Nu Maguindanao, a beauty pageant for girls representing the towns of Sultan Kudarat, General S. K. Pendatun, Datu Piang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, South Upi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Buluan, Parang, Shariff Aguak, Datu Paglas and Sultan-sa-Barongis.

Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said the Palama was not just a beauty contest but also a showcase of the richness of Maguindanao culture.

Mangudadatu said he had hoped that the festival would also showcase the good things that the province has to offer such as its vast land, people, products and possible tourist destinations many of which are undeveloped.

“The province has many more things to offer,” Mangudadatu said.

But he said to make the province shine more, there must be continuity in the peace process between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

He said the provincial government is continuing its contribution to the peace process through livelihood, education and health programs.

One of the projects, he said, is the proposed dredging of the Liguasan Marsh, which the governor said would boost agricultural productivity.

Scholarship programs are also being offered for poor students, including children of Moro rebels.

Mangudadatu said peace-building efforts had been incorporated in the Sagayan Festival, including such gimmicks like a bicycle-riding event for soldiers, policemen and MILF men. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao