Tubod, Lanao del Norte (14 August) -- A joint conference between the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) was held today at the Macapagal Training Center this province.

The meeting tackled the issues on the present situation of peace and order, the possible effects of the MOA-AD in Lanao del Norte in terms of MILF atrocities, preparedness of PDCC and its working committees, inventory update of identified evacuation centers and the readiness of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council.

Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo call the meeting to order and immediately addressed the issues at hand together with 2nd District Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo. Governor Dimaporo openly admitted that Lanao del Norte is under Red Alert due to the armed conflict in Southern Mindanao and reliable information was relayed for a probable "spill-over" of the conflict in the surrounding areas which are probable targets of the MILF.

Further, the young governor averred that the MOA-AD caused a stir in the peace and order of the province. "What is to be done is to maintain calmness and be always prepared for possible attacks," he said.

P/SSupt Linog M. Bagul, LDN PNP Provincial Director assured all present in the same activity that the peace and order situation herein is relatively stable and threats of lawlessness still exist but the situation has remained normal and the atmosphere of tranquility prevails in the province.

Moreover, LtCol Jose Faustino, 35IB and LtCol Edwin Respicio, 32IB of the Armed Forces of the Philippines detailed in the province have agreed that threats of attacks from the MILF or other lawless elements are always present but the AFP assured the body that the army is more than ready.

Every detail in the evacuation and places where the evacuees are to be placed are now ready as provided by the PDCC. Both the provincial and local governments are very much prepared to meet any emergency whether it be due to acts of man or acts of God.

It is noteworthy that cooperation, coordination and communication between and among the Provincial Government, Local Government Units, AFP and PNP will eradicate untoward incidents.