CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor, Rolando 'Klarex' Uy, and the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) chief, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, signed an agreement during Monday's flag-raising program at City Hall, aiming to institutionalize 'Task Force Oro'.
This move comes in response to the recent bombing incident at the Mindanao State University gymnasium.
The local government of Cagayan de Oro has swiftly taken action to address the situation and extend assistance to the affected residents of Iligan City.
Earlier, as a proactive response, City Mayor's Office Chief of Staff, Shiela Lumbatan said Mayor Klarex Uy, has ordered the immediate evacuation of students from the university.
Simultaneously, efforts were initiated by the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this unfortunate event.
Recognizing the need for assistance, the local government of Cagayan de Oro dispatched a rescue team to aid the affected residents of Iligan City, according to Lumbatan.
Mayor Klarex Uy joined the local officials in condemning the attack on the MSU gym, which resulted in the tragic loss of at least four lives and caused injuries to several others.
He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and called for sobriety among the community.
"Mayor Uy trusts in the authorities' ability to take control of the situation and ensure justice is served," BenCyrus Ellorin, political spokesperson of Mayor Uy said.
Lumbatan also said that the institutionalization of 'Task Force Oro signifies the city's commitment to addressing such incidents swiftly and effectively.
With this pact in place, she said the authorities will have a dedicated force to navigate and respond to security challenges promptly.
"This move aims to enhance coordination between different agencies and ensures a more unified and systematic approach to preventing and combating acts of terrorism," said Lumbatan.
Meanwhile, Mayor Uy emphasized the importance of community cooperation and urged residents to remain vigilant.
He encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the appropriate authorities, as this collective effort plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security within the city.
Uy said that the local government's swift actions in response to the recent bombing incident reflect their commitment to protecting the welfare of the residents.
Uy added that the establishment of 'Task Force Oro' is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of the community.
With this institutionalization, the city aims to strengthen its defensive mechanisms and enhance collaboration among concerned agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In these challenging times, Uy said that the people of Cagayan de Oro City should stand united against acts of violence and remain resilient.
"As they join forces with the authorities, they demonstrate their unwavering commitment to uphold peace, harmony, and progress in their city," Uy said.
