By Froilan Gallardo
Special Correspondent
APPREHENSION was in the air among the participants of the 40-vehicle convoy as the vehicles left Iligan City for Cagayan de Oro Wednesday morning.
Salahudin Bin Hamza of the Mindanao Youth Empowerment Network said they expected they would run into trouble when the convoy will enter the boundary between Cagayan de Oro and Opol town, Misamis Oriental since the city is under a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) because of a recent spike of Covid-19 cases.
Hundreds have also joined other simultaneous “BTA extension caravans” in Koronadal, South Cotabato to urge President Rodrigo Duterte to certify a bill as “urgent” that would extend the office term of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority up to 2025.
Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno earlier granted a permit to the caravan organizers provided they would only stay in their vehicles and cruise in the city streets.
When the convoy arrived at the boundary in Opol town, the organizers were surprised that Cagayan de Oro traffic enforcers led the vehicles in the parade.
“We never expected this hospitality but we are happy with this arrangement,” Hamza said.
He said the unity caravan is time to give support to the meeting of elders composed of government officials, Barmm officials, politicians, and civil society organizations in Manila on Wednesday.
Hamza said President Duterte is expected to meet these officials in Malacañang on Thursday.
Barmm local government Minister Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo said the meeting of elders in Manila has reached a consensus to ask President Duterte for a BTA extension.
“Gov. Sakur Tan of Sulu in that meeting reaffirmed his decision that he would support Barmm and the BTA extension,” Sinarimbo said.
