Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur – The Local Government of Datu Hoffer warmly welcomed the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion, the 61st CMO Company, and the Philippine National Police during a send-off ceremony held on January 22, 2025, at the Datu Hoffer Municipal Training Center.
The troops and police officers are set to implement the Mobile Community Sustainment Support Program (MCSSP) in Barangays Sayap, Kubentong, Mother Tuayan, and Mantao. The program aims to strengthen the collaboration between the government, local communities, and barangay officials to counter violent extremism and local terrorist group recruitment, especially among the youth.
Municipal Mayor Hon. Bai Bongbong M. Ampatuan and Vice Mayor Hon. Prince Sufri M. Ampatuan led the ceremony, alongside military officials including LTC Rowel E. Gavilanes, Commanding Officer of the 90IB, and other key stakeholders. Barangay leaders Hon. Abdullah S. Omar (Barangay Sayap), Hon. Sadam Salik (Barangay Kubentong), Hon. Abuomoen A. Ampatuan (Barangay Mother Tuayan), and Hon. Fatima M. Masingan (Barangay Mantao) also expressed their commitment to the initiative.
Goals of the MCSSP
The program seeks to:
- Enhance community awareness to resist recruitment by extremist groups.
- Steer the youth away from violent activities through positive community engagement.
- Strengthen the presence of government services to address local issues.
LTC Gavilanes expressed gratitude to the local government and barangay leaders for their support and trust in the military and police to lead the program. He emphasized the significance of a unified government approach in achieving lasting peace and development in Datu Hoffer and the entire province of Maguindanao del Sur.
“This program showcases the government’s dedication to fostering unity and cooperation among its sectors to overcome the challenges of violent extremism. It is a commitment to the safety, progress, and future of the entire community,” LTC Gavilanes said.
The MCSSP is a testament to the shared vision of local and national stakeholders in promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
