Local government officials in Davao del Norte feel for displaced residents of Marawi and express sympathy for them.
In his message during the 119th Independence Day celebration, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon rallied Tagumenyos to help fellow Filipinos of Marawi City.
He particularly painted imagination about children deprived of schooling due to the on-going pursuit of government armed forces against the Maute-led terrorist group.
“While we are experiencing peace here, we have to remember our fellow Filipinos in Marawi,” he said during the opening program of “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan” Independence Day Job and Business Fair.
“Children cannot go to school,” he said. “Let us pray for them and let us pray that this will end so soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, the municipal government of Kapalong (Davao del Norte) conducted on June 2 a “Pray for Marawi” and candle-lighting activity at the Municipal Hall ground in Barangay Maniki this town.
The event generated more than 1,000 participants from various sectors of the municipality including the town’s Muslim residents.
Municipal Information Officer Jamal Magantor in a recent meeting of Information Officers Network (ION) Davao del Norte revealed himself among the primary movers of the event, having Maranao roots.
“I feel for my fellows of Marawi,” he said as he relayed information regarding the interest of Davao del Norte Provincial Administrator to encourage other local governments in the province to do the same .
During the ION Meeting, Kapalong Municipal Mayor Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol urged LGU and national government information officers to serve as engine of “good information”.
While she extended sympathy for residents of Marawi, she asked information officers to help local governments of Davao del Norte spread information that the province “is peaceful”, especially now that it is coming close to its 50th year founding anniversary celebration.
On the other hand, Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Anthony G. del Rosario expressed readiness of the provincial LGU to “provide whatever resources we can spare to step up cooperation against terrorism, criminality and illicit drugs trade”.
In addressing the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Forum recently held at Big8 Hotel in Tagum City, Del Rosario took particular notice of the terroristic attack in Marawi City.
“The attempt of the IS fighters, with a number of foreign combatants to establish a foothold in Mindanao should be nipped in its bud,” he said.
Del Rosario earlier issued official statement regarding the Marawi Crisis and the Declaration of Martial Law by President Duterte. While supporting the President’s move, Del Rosario condemned the terror attack. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
