Concrete bridge breaks ground in Mamasapano

A new concrete bridge is set to be built to replace an old wooden footbridge that saw the bloody January 25 clash between the Philippine National Police' Special Action Force officers and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

According to a report on GMA News TV's Balita Pilipinas, a groundbreaking ceremoy for a 120-meter steel footbridge and an 880-meter access road was held on Tuesday at Barangay Tukanalipao, in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

Among those present during the ceremony were Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Budget Secretary Butch Abad, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, and MILF spokesman Von Al-Haq.

In an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the ceremony, Catapang said the construction of the bridge would turn the situation "from misery to something productive."

Over 60 people died in the said encounter, including 44 elite police officers and 17 MILF members.

For his part, Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan said the construction of the bridge would help improve the transportation of products in the area, which will also benefits the other nearby towns.

"Mas madali na nilang malalabas yugn produkto nila so it’s a good sign para sa farmers ng area," he said. "Hindi lang yung Barangay Tukanilapao ang kumbaga ang magka, magkakaroon ng devpt within the area kundi pati yung mga kalapit niyang barangay."

Meanwhile, Abad said the construction of the concrete bridge, which will take about four months, is only one part of the efforts to improve the quality of life in Mamasapano town.

He said at least P100 million, combination of funds from the AFP, ARMM, and DBM, were allotted for the construction of six schools, roads, and livelihood programs. —NB, GMA News