Maguindanao Leaders Assure All Out Support for Pres. Duterte’s Peace Program, Anti-drug Drive

Buluan, Maguindanao — Maguindanao local officials are expected to assure President Duterte of their commitment to the Mindanao peace process and his relentless campaign against illegal drugs when the first Mindanaon president meet with Moro leaders, led by Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu said security preparations are in place for Duterte’s first ever visit to Buluan, the capital of the province.

“We are excited, the people here are excited to see the President,” Mangudadatu said. “The mood is very festive.”

Before meeting with Maguindanao officials, Duterte will launch the 4.5 megawatt biomass renewable energy plant in the municipality.

“We will assure the President that local officials in the province will support all his peace initiatives meant to address the Mindanao secessionist rebellion,” he said.

Mangudadatu said the chiefs of different divisions in his office in Buluan have organized a very simple reception rite for Duterte.

“Simple but colorful according to Muslim tradition,” Mangudadatu said of the venue where Duterte and the local officials will meet. “No fanfare, not extravagant,” Mangudadatu described the meeting place.

He said Duterte is like any Mindanao who is very simple “and that made him so popular now among the Filipino masa.”

Mangudadatu said all preparations were coordinated with the Presidential Management Staff and the Presidential Security Group.

Duterte won overwhelmingly in Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities.

Mangudadatu said the President wanted to personally see how the biomass power plant operates so it can be replicated across the country to address power supply woes.

The power plant was built primarily to power the Maguindanao provincial capitol grounds but with its capacity, the plant will also supply the whole of Buluan and nearby towns. (PNA) JMC/NYP/EOF