The municipality of Binidayan in Lanao del Sur has taken a definitive stand for peace, officially declaring itself free from the influence of two major threat groups. This landmark declaration was made during a powerful show of unity on Monday, December 1.
A Community's Collective Stand Against Extremism
The Sangguniang Bayan of Binidayan formalized the community's resolve through an official resolution. The document was presented to the public during a united peace rally held at the Binidayan Municipal Hall. The event symbolized the town's collective rejection of violence and its commitment to a secure future.
The rally was a collaborative effort initiated by the 64th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Gaviola. It was supervised by Brigadier General Yasser Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the Binidayan municipal government and the local police station.
Launch of a Local Peacekeeping Body
A key outcome of the event was the launch of the Municipal Task Force–Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-Elac). This body is the local version of the national NTF-Elcac and represents a strategic initiative designed to sustain hard-won peace and prevent the resurgence of extremist ideologies.
With the MTF-Elac now established, the municipal government, military, and police have reaffirmed their joint commitment. Their focus will be on continuous peace programs, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and development efforts aimed at making Binidayan resilient against radicalization.
"The declaration of Binidayan as DI-MG and CPP-NPA-NDF-free is a significant step toward lasting peace and security," stated Brigadier General Yasser Bara. He commended the residents, adding, "Your courage and unity are the true foundation of lasting peace."
Symbolic Acts and Broad Community Support
The united peace rally featured several activities that demonstrated the people's firm stance. These included a peace motorcade, a walk rally, and the symbolic burning of flags representing the ISIS and CPP-NPA-NDF. These acts served as a powerful visual rejection of violent extremism.
The event saw broad participation from community leaders. Binidayan Mayor Sodais Dimaporo, Police Captain Vincent Despuez (the chief of police), and various youth representatives joined the rally, underscoring the widespread support for the peace initiative across different sectors of the town.
This united stand marks a major milestone for Lanao del Sur. It reflects a determined community effort to build a safer and more peaceful future for its residents. Binidayan, whose name means "ready to cultivate," is a fourth-class municipality composed of 26 villages. It reported a population of 25,965 people in the 2020 census.
