The two officials said local residents have been pushing for the staging of the annual event and downplayed the issues regarding the peace and order problem besetting the province in the aftermath of the protracted clashes between the government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Gov. Dimaporo said the series of attacks by the MILF on army detachments have given the province bad publicity while expressing fears that this might affect the parents’ perception with regard to the safety of their children participating in the Palaro.
Situated at the capital town of Tubod, the sprawling 18-hectare site with world-class sports facilities, is set to host the event May 4-11.
Last Thursday, two commanders of the MILF were reportedly killed and at least 10 more of their followers were injured in a pursuit operation in Brgy. Bualan here.
Lt. Col. Francisco Simbajon, chief of the Civil Military Affairs’ 4th Infantry Division, said the pursuit operation conducted by the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion caught up with the rebels in Bualan, resulting in a clash that led to the killing of MILF commanders Kalayaan and Protector and wounding of 10 others.
Simbajon also reported that at least three government soldiers were wounded, two of them were identified as 2nd Lt. Reynaldo Gacad and Ssg. Harley Jameto.
But Gov. Dimaporo insisted that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Dante Mutia, now mayor of Tangkal Town, has pledged his full support to the event.
Earlier, MILF commander Bravo announced in a local radio program that his group would not disrupt the Palaro.
Aside from the peace and order problem, the province is also beset with budgetary constraints after Congress allotted a meager P10 million to fund the games although Malacañang has reportedly added another P10 million to the fund over the weekend.
Another clash was also reported recently in Bualan where army troops repulsed an MILF group led by a certain commander Topsider from harassing local residents. No casualties were reported.
Military has recorded at least 18 attacks and harassment cases on its outposts in Inudaran, Pantar, Kauswagan and Tubod since February this year.
Just two weeks ago, four civilians were killed after a clash in the hinterlands of Bualan.
However, the Dimaporos – Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda and Cong. Abdullah "Bobby" – said these clashes were caused by warring political opponents in Bualan and not between the government troops and the MILF.
Gov. Dimaporo added that even Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn, who has offered his province as alternative venue, is now supporting Lanao del Norte’s bid to host the games. – With reports from Lino dela Cruz.