Masiu barangay chairman meets the military to clear his name

MAS N. YAHYA
July 13, 2018

LTC Villanueva talks with the barangay chairman (behind Engr. Guiling, left, back to the camera,) who meets him and 1LT Acosta to clear his (the chairman) name. - RSP

MASIU, Lanao del Sur: A barangay chairman in the municipality of Masiu, Lanao del Sur personally met on Thursday with the military to clear himself amidst reports linking him to the IS-inspired Maute group.

Abdul Fateh (not his real name), a re-elected barangay chairman of one of the town's barangays, personally met LTC Edgar Allan S. Villanueva INF (GSC) PA, the battalion commander of the 49th IB, 9ID, and 1Lt. Raydez P. Acosta (SC), company officer of ACOY, 49IB, 9ID PA, to clear his name from being tagged as a supporter of the terrorist group.

Fateh was accompanied by Engr. Rommel M. Guiling and a few relatives of Fateh.

Villanueva expressed thanks to the barangay chairman in his good faith and intent. "We don't call this 'surrender'," he said, implying that Fateh has not yet been found guilty. "It's an act of good faith."

He hoped that those whose names are dragged in the IS-Maute like Fateh will come out and coordinate with the military to clear their names. He said not all reports are true and therefore must be validated.

On his part, the barangay chairman said he is very thankful to Col. Vilalanueva and to all his men for their role in securing the public safety.

He said he is very grateful that the military under Villanueva was there during the elections because without their vigilance in making the elections fair and peaceful, he as an independent less moneyed-candidate would not win.

Speaking about loose firearms, the battalion commander said, civilians can have arms. "Why not?" he asked. "But they must secure licenses or permits."

The meeting, held at the Headquarters of Alpha Company, 49IB, 9ID PA under 1Lt. Acosta was facilitated by Guiling, a renowned multi-sectoral leader. It was also witnessed by the media.

Guiling said that upon hearing of the report, he immediately coordinated with the military particularly 1Lt. Acosta to arrange the meeting for Fateh. 

"This is my own little way of sincerely helping our government to achieve peace and development for the benefit of our people, especially in this municipality," Guiling said.

Guiling ran for mayor last elections but lost for only over 70 votes to the incumbent mayor.

He believed, that "Fateh is a good man and having successively been elected and re-elected as chair of his barangay despite being independent and not allied with the local incumbents, it means that the report is not true."

MAY 14 BSKE IN MASIU

It shall be recalled that Masiu was considered among hot spots during the last May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in the province. 

Surprisingly, the BSK elections in Masiu turned out to be very peaceful. 

It is believed that it was due to the presence of the military who helped the elections officials that made it peaceful.

Incidentally, in the elections, out of the 35 barangays in Masiu, 20 oppositions won. - RSP