Security beefed up in Maguindanao for Aquino visit

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Police and the military have started securing strategic spots in Maguindanao as part of preparations for Friday’s visit of President Aquino to endorse local candidates of the Liberal Party (LP).

Acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman, LP’s official candidate for regional governor in the May polls, will also attend the campaign sortie in Buluan town in the second district of the province.

Hataman said he has instructed the ARMM police director, Chief Superintendent Noel de los Reyes, and the Maguindanao provincial police to provide tactical support to the Presidential Security Group, which will secure the site of Aquino’s speaking engagement.

Hataman earlier told The STAR that Aquino will likely first visit his office to meet with regional officials, before proceeding to Buluan, hometown of LP’s provincial chairman, re-electionist Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu, in a text message, said he has directed LP’s local candidates to focus their campaign speeches on how they can help in the Mindanao peace process if elected.