’Molestation’ jeopardizes P60-M aid to Lanao town

KIDAPAWAN CITY: Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has withheld aid amounting to P60 million to a conflict-stricken area in Butig, Lanao del Sur, saying its release was jeopardized by two of the town’s councilors who allegedly made a pass at his female staff.

The agricultural support plan was for the grant of seedlings, machinery and other farming facilities to Butig residents so they can recover from devastation caused by clashes between government forces and local supporters of the international jihadist group, the Islamic State (IS), whom authorities have called the Maute Group.