Women encouraged to keep Pagadian peaceful, vibrant

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371457073563/women-encouraged-to-keep-pagadian-peaceful-vibrant
• Monday, March 7, 2016

By Gideon C. Corgue (ALT/GCC/PIA9/ZamboSur)

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Women have a vital role to play in the maintenance of peace and order in our society.

Thus disclosed Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones in his message during the opening program of the Women’s Month celebration at the city gym on Tuesday, with the theme “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!”

Pulmones stressed that greater and equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making decisively contribute to accelerating the pace of development and the maintenance of peace.

Pulmones said women are more meticulous than men in gathering information particularly on the presence of suspicious–looking men or strangers in their community.

The chief executive encouraged the women to keep Pagadian peaceful and vibrant as ever.

“I urge you to be very alert, vigilant and report to authorities the presence of armed men,” Pulmones said adding that the city is under threat from armed terrorist groups due to Congress’ failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL}.

He cited the Zamboanga siege on September 9, 2013 where the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels stormed the city and fought the government forces, held civilians hostage, and left hundreds of people dead.

“In that tragic incident, majority of those who died were women. Worst is, they were abused by the armed groups, either Muslims or Christians,” Pulmones said quoting a media report.

“We don’t want that the unfortunate incident will happen in our place. We should all be prepared, stay alert and protect our peaceful city,” Pulmones concluded.