N. Cotabato looks forward to peaceful 2015

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - The North Cotabato provincial government is looking forward to more peaceful days in the province in 2015.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, however, said public cooperation is needed in maintaining the peace in the 17 towns of the province and the provincial capital, Kidapawan City.

“We cannot leave everything to the police and the military. All sectors must cooperate in guarding against `peace spoilers,’ against criminals and terrorists," Mendoza on Monday said in an emailed statement.

Mendoza had also reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to Malacañang’s peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

There has not been a single encounter between government and MILF forces in North Cotabato since 2010, a feat ushered in by the religious compliance by both sides with a ceasefire accord crafted in July 1997.

“We also ought to thank the Muslim religious and political leaders in the province for helping us achieve peace in the province,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the recent bombings in the towns of Mlang and Kabacan did not dampen the zeal of the local communities to continue helping the police and military maintain the fragile peace now reigning in the province.

“We are looking forward to more peaceful days in 2015. Surely, with peace and stability, more investors would be coming in to put up feasible business projects, such as agricultural ventures,” Mendoza said.