64th Araw ng SND successfully held despite challenges on terrorism, highlights Triathlon and Tulingan Festival

By Jun Enriquez

Presidential table during the culmination program of the Araw ng SND with SND Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo (3rd right seated) beside him is Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda "Angging" Quibranza Dimaporo.

SND, Lanao del Norte - Despite the issue on political dynasty in Lanao del Norte the Dimaporo political family served the people satisfactorily, this was the statement of Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo, Guest Speaker during culmination of the 64^th Araw ng Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) held October 4, 2017 with the theme, “Kalamposan diha sa Kalinaw” or the Success in Peace. The celebration was conducted for 3 days, October 2-4.

Gov. Angging Quibranza Dimaporo delivered a speech.

Lanao del Norte 2^nd district Congressman Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo and Congressman Khalid Q. Dimaporo, 1^st district Congressman of Lanao del Norte is the husband and son of Gov. Dimaporo respectively. She said that they talked what is good for the province of Lanao del Norte, bringing the government closer to the people.

In her message she said there is a need for unity to attain peace and despite the resolution of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on the withdrawal of police force deputized from the Provincial Government and some LGUs in the province, they did not cut their support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and military. There was an alleged issue on private army in SND released in the national media that the said private army was started during the time of Lanao del Norte late Governor Ali Dimaporo, some five decades ago. SND is the hometown of the Dimaporo family.

Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo awarded the triathlon winners

Another allegation was the voters in SND only insects will vote in the area. Gov. Dimaporo said that the registration of voters in SND was renewed by the comelec to erase from the minds of the people outside SND that there is fraud during elections.

She said they met the Ambassador of the United States with Congressmen Khalid and Abdullah, asking assistance from the US intelligence to protect Lanao del Norte against terrorism. What they feared so much  is the recruitment of local terrorists the Maute group and ISIS offered 30,000 to 40,000 monthly pay to the recruited person which include their family monthly benefits. She said they were vigilant on the situation and prayed so hard not to happen in Lanao del Norte.

A replica of Ocean people during Tulingan Festival 

Lanao del Norte is free from threats and the provincial government will not allow the recruitment of local terrorists. Governor Dimaporo said if they know any Barangay or Municipality allows the recruitment of terrorist in their area will be their future enemy. What they received intelligence information that the next target of the local terrorist Maute group and Islamic state or ISIS is Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. She said Martial law in Mindanao declared by President Duterte is a big help to normalize the situation in Marawi crisis prevented the escalation of conflict and suppress violence and lawlessness. She said President Duterte won in Lanao del Norte and proud to have a President from Mindanao.

She extend her appreciation to the Local government unit (LGU) of SND for the successful celebration of the 64^th Araw ng SND lead by the young an d active Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo and with the able support of Vice Mayor Motalib Dimaporo, the father of the Mayor. The Triathlon sport is now became popular in SND. Gov. Dimaporo hoped to lift the the NAPOLCOM resolution for the benefit of the safety and security of the people in Lanao del Norte and maintain peace and order.

Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo answers media interview

Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo said the 64^th Araw ng SND was just a simple celebration yet worth enjoying. He said the successful celebration is fully supported by the Barangay Chairmen in 37 Barangays. He said the celebration will overcome the alleged issue on shabu laboratory in SND was already validated by the Chief of Police and the Provincial Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who conducted inspection for one week but nothing was found shabu laboratory including the alleged private army issue in SND town.

Mayor Ulwan said that the said issues were products of politically motivated and will not affect so far the normalcy of peace and order situation in SND. He said their support with the PNP and military still continue despite the resolution of NAPOLCOM for the withdrawal of the police force in SND Municipality. The 64^th Araw ng SND highlighted the activities on “Invitational Triathlon sports tournament” and the “Tulingan festival streetdancing” presentation.

People crowded at the entrance of SND  municipal hall

Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana (INF), Philippine Army, Battalion Commander of the 15^th Infantry “Molave Warrior” Battalion, Philippine Army  said the Araw ng SND held October 2-4 was very successful. He said the role of the military is to provide support operations for peace and development in the area with the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Police Inspector Tago, SND Chief of Police. They conducted two checkpoints in Butadon, Kapatagan and in Pikalawag, SND to secure the celebration.

Rosana said that they did not receive any reports of recruitment of the local terrorist Maute group and ISIS in their area of responsibility. He said the conduct of the “Kalinga sa Bayan” activities for the youth and children  will prevent the possible recruitment of the youth on terrorism.  The LGUs in Lanao del Norte are supportive of the program that would last for 3 days. They already conducted the Kalinga sa Bayan in Nunungan and Magsaysay municipalities.  He said that the children are the important sector not to be recruited by the terrorist.

Lt. Col. Rosana with his men at 15th IB HQ in Salvador, LDN

Rosana said they conducted Lakbay-aral for the children and youth an educational tour for those who graduated from the Kalinga sa Bayan from Nunungan and Magsaysay, to educate the young people what is the real situation of the environment. They visited the National Power Corporation (NPC) Agus hydro power plant for them to understand the production of power, especially at Ma. Cristina falls. They also visited the Biak-na-bato in Bacolod historical site. They Also visited the city of Iligan to observe what is urban life situation. The youth and children participants also visited the military camp of 15th IB to know the life of the soldier.

Rosana said that the next schedule for the Kalinga sa Bayan activity is in SND on October 13-15. There will be 370 participants from the children and youth at 10 participants per Barangay for the 37 Barangays.

Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo said he will give his all-out support for the Kalinga sa Bayan ng SND because he believed that it is beneficial for the youth and children to educate about peace. He urged the parents to cooperate and advice their children to allow them to attend the said activity for the benefit of camaraderie and friendship to maintain peace and development. Photos by Jun Enriquez