Jubahib claims SK Fed prexy involved in road mishap tried to manipulate probe

Civilians flee fighting in Maguindanao, Cotabato towns as Ramadan starts

Several civilians have fled fled Pagalungan and Datu Montawal towns in Maguindanao del Sur and villages in Pikit town, Cotabato that now belong to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as Special Geographic Areas, in the wake of military offensives against suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya.

Two suspected Dawlah Islamiya members were killed and four others were injured during the military operation along the borders of the two provinces, the Army here said.

Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said government forces were running after the group of Almoben Sibud of the Islamic State-inspired group that has about 30 armed followers.

“Sibud is the leader of the group and believed to be behind bombings in our AOR (area of responsibility),” Gumiran said.

Some residents complained that it’s difficult for them as evacuees to observe Ramadan, which started on Thursday.

Sabrina Mamasabulod, a resident of Pagalungan and a facili-

By MAYA M. PADILLO

tator for persons with disabilities said she is deeply saddened by what’s happening at the start of the month-long fasting and abstinence.

“It’s like the things in the past, very disheartening to see that every time fasting month commences they need to evacuate due to military operation,” she said.

Several bombing sorties were launched Wednesday along the marshland boundary between the two provinces.

The military is now using its recently acquired 155mm Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzers Systems or ATMOS-2000.

“Our specially trained ground troops are in the area, hopefully circling our targets,” Gumiran said.

BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence has positioned emergency relief aid, according to Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

“We have relief workers there, including those who fled due to [typhoon] Paeng and now due to government law enforcement operations against the IS-linked group in the marshland,” he said.

Davao

del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib expressed disappointment to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president Emerson Dave Silutan, who is mired in a controversial road accident that took place on March 21, 2023, for allegedly manipulating the ongoing investigation.

It can be recalled that Jubahib ordered a thorough investigation into the said incident, which caused serious damage to the Suaybaguio Riña Elementary School property in Magugpo North, Tagum City.

“It has come to my attention that Mr. Silutan appears to be at- tempting to obfuscate the truth and manipulate the ongoing investigation. This includes the deliberate concealment of crucial facts surrounding the incident, which not only undermines the integrity of the probe but also raises serious questions about the character and fitness of Mr.

Silutan for public office,” Jubahib said in a statement shared with media on Friday.

Jubahib cited the blotter report obtained from Tagum City’s Civil Security Unit (CSU), which states that “Silutan was not alone during the accident and was accompanied by two male companions, James Sarucan and Patrick De Mabanding, both are Davao City residents.”

The report also states that Silutan, Sarucan, and De Mabanding were all under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

FJUBAHIB, P10

Dabawenyos, spectators of Ironman 70.3 urged to submit for inspection

An official of the Task Force Davao called on residents and spectators of events, particularly the Alveo Ironman 70.3 Davao slated on March 26, 2023, to submit for inspection conducted by TF Davao and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Col. Darren Comia, commander of TF Davao, reminded the public on Friday that the Culture of Security is still implemented in Davao City.

“Mananawagan ako sa lahat ng Dabawenyos at mga tao na magjo-join at manood ng Ironman challenge, meron pong Culture of Security na mahigpit na pinapatupad dito sa Davao City kung saan kailangan nating mag volunteer ng ating mga sarili sa mga inspection na gagawin ng Task Force Davao at Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Makipag tulungan tayo sa kanila para sa ganon maayos, matiwasay at mahusay ang lahat ng events ng Ironman,” Comia said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Friday.