New command hub bolsters security in Maguindanao town

Akmad “Oping” Ampatuan Jr., vice mayor of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Following a series of violent incidents in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, recently, the local government has launched its Municipal Command Center (MCC), the first of its kind in the province. The facility is designed to help prevent crime and speed up emergency response through round-the-clock closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring. Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Sr., his son, Vice Mayor Akmad “Oping” Ampatuan Jr., and military and police officials inaugurated the MCC on Monday as the municipality’s central security monitoring and emergency coordination hub. Article continues after this advertisement The facility is linked to at least 25 high-definition CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations, including roads, public markets, schools, government offices, and key entry and exit points across the municipality. READ: 27 BARMM areas under highest poll security category “This (hub) is designed to strengthen public safety, emergency response, and disaster management through round-the-clock monitoring,” Ampatuan Jr. said. The surveillance network allows authorities to monitor incidents in real time, immediately dispatch responders, and preserve video footage for criminal investigations. The system is also expected to improve traffic management, crime prevention, and disaster response. Faster response Unlike conventional CCTV systems that are typically reviewed only after an incident, the new command center enables police officers, firefighters, medical teams, and disaster responders to monitor events live and coordinate a faster response. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Army recovers arms cache from terror group in Maguindanao Sur The command center reflects the local government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the vice mayor said. Article continues after this advertisement The project had long been envisioned as part of the municipality’s effort to modernize public services. Shariff Aguak is part of the so-called “SPMS box,” a military term referring to the adjoining municipalities of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan (formerly Pagatin), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha, where the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya remain active. The launch comes as Shariff Aguak continues to face security challenges despite improving peace and order in many parts of the Bangsamoro region. Just days before the command center opened, a CCTV camera captured a grenade attack on a military convoy along the national highway, providing investigators with key evidence. Earlier this year, CCTV footage also recorded the attempted assassination of Mayor Ampatuan in Barangay Poblacion, where gunmen fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and opened fire on the mayor’s convoy. The mayor later filed terrorism charges against 15 individuals allegedly linked to the attack. In May, another CCTV camera at a gasoline station in Barangay Poblacion captured two unidentified men on a motorcycle lingering near the area moments before an explosion struck the station, providing investigators with valuable leads. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Mayor Ampatuan said the monitoring center is expected to strengthen crime prevention, improve emergency response, and boost public confidence by giving authorities better tools to protect residents and maintain peace and order. /cb