Advisory group formed in Iligan

By BONITA L. ERMAC, Correspondent

ILIGAN City– At least 3 agencies composing the church, police and the  military agreed to form as component of an adisory group last July 16, 2015 in a formal signing of memorandum of agreement in a restaurant here in the city.

The Advisory Group was formed  to address all  kinds of criminalities  occurring  in the  province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

Colonel Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade Commander, 2nd Mechanized Brigade Philippine Army said  the newly created advisory group is in line with Internal Peace and Security Plan  (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Arm Forces of the Philippines  wherein this envision to have a multi-stakeholder, multi-dimentional approach in solving peace and security concern in areas specifically in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

“We formed this so that the church, the Philippine  National Police , the military and other stakeholders will be one in  addressing all concern,” said Gapay.

The commander cited some of the Internal Security peace and order problem and the root causes  of problems arising in the area.

“Ito muna iyong core group, this will be expanded in the future as  specified in a provision depending on the issue that is being address”, said Gapay.

P/Supt. Raul Benitez, Officer in Charge, Iligan City Police Office  and  P/ P/Supt. Madid Paitao,  Provincial Director  said they were grateful for the group’s creation, as  at present peace and order situation in Iligan City is very  volatile since he assumed office a month ago, crime volume increases, Benitez said. While Paitao said it will give them more strength and efforts in serving Lanao del Norte .

Fr. Rosito M.Claro hopes this group will help in addressing problems  and all forms of criminalities happening in the city and  Lanao del Norte that greatly affects the lives of the people.

“By the help of the Almighty, we hope that we will become instrument of peace as we serve our people”, the priest said.