MAGUINDANAO GOV TOTO MANGUDADATU SUPPORTS BANGSAMORO MEDICAL/SURGICAL MISSION MAR. 2 & 3

Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has extended his full support to the Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission scheduled in Takepan, Pikit on March 2 and 3.

The mission, initiated by the Maharlika Charity Foundation, a group of volunteer doctors headed by Dr. Rizal Aportadera, will conduct surgical operations on members of the Moro National liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their families in support of the peace efforts of President Noynoy Aquino.

Also supporting the medical mission are businessman Col. Samuel G. Afdal, a philanthropist who traces his roots in Pikit and Kabacan, Manila-based businessman Benny Gopez of Mizuno Philippines who is my friend, Cong. Jesus N. Sacdalan of the 1st District of North Cotabato, the friends of Senator Chiz Escudero, friends of Senator Bam Aquino, friends of Senator Edward S. Hagedorn and the local government unit of Pikit under Mayor Sumulong Sultan along with Barangay Chairman Andrew Lomibao of Takepan.

This will be the first medical and surgical mission tol be conducted in Bangsamoro territory and the expected beneficiaries will come from the towns of Montawal and Pagalungan in Maguindanao Province, Pikit, Aleosan and Midsayap in North Cotabato.

Dr. Benedict Valdez, head of mission, said at least six doctors and several nurses will join the mission and will perform surgeries for cysts and other minor operations.

Patients with cataract, goiter, myoma, meningocele, harelip and cleft palate will be screened and scheduled for operation either in Midsayap under Dr. Ed Soriano or in the Maharlika Charity Foundation Center in Davao City.

All surgeries will be done for free with the patients required only to bring their own food. Medicines will also be given out for free.

The Pikit Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission is the latest of many missions already conducted in the province of North Cotabato since 2007 by the Maharlika Charity Foundation.

I am privileged to be a partner of this mission and through my friends and supporters, I have been able to gather free medicines and other supplies for the mission.