MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS, MANOBOS COME IN DROVES FOR 1st BANGSAMORO MEDICAL/SURGICAL MISSION

(Photo caption: “Ikaw si Pinol?” this elderly Bangsamoro Kagi asked me yesterday after I was introduced to him. He then proceeded to embrace me. Photo by John Pagaduan)

The first Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission in Takepan, Pikit, North Cotabato yesterday became a gathering of people who wanted to forget the past conflict and live as brothers and sisters once again.

About 2,000 members of the Tri-People came as early as 7 o’clock in the morning to queue up and seek the medical attention they have not received in years.

Several field commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) also joined the huge crowd which responded to the invitation of the Maharlika Charity Foundation, a group of doctors who render free service to the indigents in the country.

With only five doctors, including my daughter Dr. Maria Krista Pinol-Solis, and several nurses serving the patients, the medical consultations stretched up to about 6 p.m.

Dr. Glicerio Sotea of the M’lang Rural Health Unit and several members of his staff also volunteered in yesterday’s medical mission.

The surgical team under Dr. Ben Valdez and supported by Dr. Ed Soriano, who is also an eye doctor, and Dr. Marinella Penera had to perform surgeries up to 7 p.m. inside the mobile surgical unit of the Maharlika Charity Foundation which was parked right beside the barangay hall of Takepan.

The medical mission will continue for the second day tomorrow, March 3 Sunday, to attend to all the remaining patients who were not served today.

Judging on the number of people who sought medical attention today, the Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission was a huge success, this in spite of the fact that some political groups in the town of Pikit tried to prevent the people from going to Takepan.

“Dapat wala na sanang politika ang ganitong mga activity,” said one local Muslim leader who requested not to be identified.

The Bangsamoro Medical and Surgical Mission is supported by the friends Senator Chiz Escudero, friends of Senatorial candidate Bam Aquino, friends of Senatorial candidate Edward S. Hagedorn, Cong. Jesus Sacdalan, M’lang Mayor Joselito Pinol and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu.

Also lending huge support to the activity were retired Col. Samuel G. Afdal, whose family traces its roots in Pikit town, Benigno “Benny” Gopez of Mizuno Philippines, the Karancho Organization of North Cotabato and WOW FM radio owned by Rollyboy Sacdalan.