By: Abu Saifulhaqq

October 6, 2012 News: Two MILF political committee village chairmen led 120 men in the construction of a wood bridge in Pagagawan, Datu Montawal Maguindanao on Saturday   September 22, 2012.

Some officers and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) from 108th Base Command and National Guards joined the MILF village committee officials in the construction as an expression of unity and solidarity between and among MILF military and political structures in the ground. 

The bridge, which was constructed in the former Pulangi or Rio Grande de Mindanao River basin, would connect commuters from Pagagawan to sitios of Tuka and Punol, then to Nabundas, Dimaagos and Maridegao, all in Datu Montawal town.

Prior to the bridge construction, transportation of products have been done only by boat and through carabaos.  This is the first time that motorbikes or habal-habal could cross the areas, which will pave the way for the operators of this sort to come in.

Although the Pulangi River has transferred its route, but during heavy rains, people cannot cross due to heavy water current.

The MILF village chief, who requested anonymity, said, “This work is part of our responsibility in the political committee of the MILF to serve the Bangsamoro people especially those coming from remote community who have been often neglected by the government.”

“Money spent in the construction came from our pocket because we organized a committee to collect contributions and donations for this purpose, he added.
Another MILF village chief of nearby village of Tuka, who also did not want to be named said, “We did this in order to establish constant rapport with our people, even without funding so that civilians in the ground could feel our presence and we are striving our best to serve them even with the limited resources that we have.”

“We are happy that this small effort could change life of our people,” he added.

When asked about their comments on the current peace process, a brigade commander who requested anonymity for lack of authority to disclose, said, “We are very optimistic that a final peace agreement would be signed soon. However, we do not expect too much even the government has been showing sincerity in the negotiation because, given its previous attitude in the negotiations, we are afraid to be again frustrated at the end.”

“We have been constantly telling our forces to be always prepared at all times,” he disclosed.