MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Personally assessing the impact of recent violence and emerging security concerns, Mayor Rolly Sacdalan on Friday visited Barangay Lomopog to inspect damaged public facilities and evaluate the overall condition of the community.
The inspection comes more than a month after an armed encounter involving lawless groups along the boundary of Lomopog, Midsayap and nearby Nabalawag in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).
Sacdalan was joined by key security and government officials, including 33rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Germen Legada, 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company Commander Celestino Daniel Jr., Midsayap Chief of Police Rey Salgado, and Municipal Peace and Order Council focal person Maricar Karatuan. Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local barangay officials also took part in the inspection.
The team focused on assessing schools, the barangay hall, and critical road networks—facilities that play a vital role in restoring normalcy in the area, especially with the upcoming school opening.
Schools in disarray
Earlier in the day, teachers returned to Lomopog Elementary School for the first time since the armed clash, only to find their classrooms in severe disarray. Reports from authorities who visited the site described scattered materials and heavily disturbed interiors, raising concerns about the condition of learning spaces ahead of the resumption of classes.
Police and military personnel conducted an initial assessment of the school premises, as part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of both students and teachers once classes begin.
Rising alarm over theft incident
Compounding residents’ concerns is a recent reported theft that has circulated widely on social media. According to accounts, unidentified suspects allegedly broke into a house in the barangay and stole not only valuable belongings but even structural components, including posts of the house.
The scale of the damage shocked both the homeowner and neighbors, triggering fear among residents who are already reeling from the aftermath of the armed conflict.
Community members are now calling on authorities to intensify security measures to prevent further incidents and restore a sense of safety in the area.
Push for stronger security and recovery plans
Sacdalan emphasized that the inspection aims to gather accurate data necessary for crafting a comprehensive plan to improve security and public order in Lomopog.
He stressed that the welfare of residents remains the top priority of the local government, in line with the peace and order agenda of Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza.
Local officials assured that continuous coordination with security forces and concerned agencies will be undertaken to address infrastructure damage, strengthen law enforcement presence, and prepare schools for safe reopening.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities, as efforts continue to stabilize the community and prevent further disruption.
The local government said it remains committed to ensuring that Barangay Lomopog—and the rest of Midsayap—can move forward as a safe, orderly, and peaceful community despite recent challenges.