A policeman inspects a vehicle at a stretch of a highway in Cotabato City as part of the Eid’l Fi’tr security preparations of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. (Photo: John Unson)
COTABATO CITY, Philippines โ Police and military forces have tightened security across key entry and exit points in Cotabato City and nearby areas in the Bangsamoro region and Region 12 ahead of the Eidโl Fitโr celebration on Friday, March 20, authorities said.
Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional OfficeโBangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said Wednesday that security preparations are being closely coordinated with local officials. These include the Cotabato City Police Office, led by Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, and Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao.
Matabalao, who also chairs the cityโs peace and order council, is overseeing security measures across all 37 barangays in Cotabato City. The city is the seat of the regional government center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Authorities said the security effort is a multi-sectoral undertaking, with support from local chief executives, Moro traditional leaders, and Islamic religious groups.
Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said cooperation from local governments has been key to ensuring a peaceful observance.
โWe are thankful to all of them, to the mayors in the cities and provinces under our jurisdiction and to their provincial governors for helping us ensure a peaceful Eidโl Fitโr celebration in Central Mindanao and in the Bangsamoro provinces,โ Cagara said.
Eidโl Fitโr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. During the month-long observance, adherents fast from dawn to dusk and emphasize repentance and reconciliation.
In the Philippines, Eidโl Fitโr and Eidโl Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, are both recognized as regular holidays, particularly in Muslim-majority areas in Mindanao.
Large congregational prayers are expected on Friday morning, with thousands of worshippers gathering in open fields and designated prayer sites.
In Region 12, Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente said provincial governments are also mobilizing resources to secure worship areas.
He said the governors of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani have directed local officials to deploy community watchmen around prayer sites.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliรฑo-Mendoza have instructed mayors to ensure full deployment of local security personnel during the celebrations.
Authorities are also focusing on key urban centers in Region 12 โ Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos โ where large Muslim communities are expected to gather.
Officials said the heightened security measures aim to ensure that Eidโl Fitโr rites across Central Mindanao proceed peacefully and without disruption.
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