Mayor Rommel Arnado emphasizes the significance of “an accurate navigational plan” from which to steer his town toward progress. Success would need a firm determination to undertake the journey, no matter what it costs, he says. On Aug. 18, Kauswagan marked its second year of moving on since hostilities between government and Moro rebel forces resumed following the botched homeland deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2008. Ten years earlier, the town saw the first volley of shots that led to then President Joseph Estrada’s infamous declaration of an “all-out war” against the MILF. From the place, he also announced an aggressive military campaign following the rebels’ occupation of its town hall.

Rosauro, R. D., & Umel, R. V. (2010, August 22). Mayor vows to lead dev't takeoff of town. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A14.