35IB marches community development toward Plans to restore “Lawiga Datu” in Magsaysay town plateau, once home to Adamic cult headed by Kumander Lahi

BY : Frank Dosdos    Having stabilized  the security situation and helped  in maintaining peace and order  within its area of responsibility ,the  35rg Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, based in Camp Allere, Salvador, Lanao del Norte is now deeply engaged in community developments.    Commanding Officer Lt Col Ferdinand Razalan Jr told newsmen that his command is cooperating with the civilian government agencies and local government units in all their development efforts.    He said that his unit is also strongly supporting the Department of Environment and natural Resources in conserving the kapatagan Valley watershed.   Recently, transported logs of various species were confiscated by his unit due to questionable documents.   The DENR is now investigating the case.    Razalan also said that his command is also supporting the activities of the youth for making their communities peaceful and prosperous in the next generations.    One project that his unit is spearheading with the cooperation of the LGU, non- government organizations and people's organizations is the restoration of Lawiga Datu,situated on a fertile plateau in the outskirts of Magsaysay,Lanao del Norte.    According to Razalan, Lawiga Datu had once become a paradise. It was the Home of the Adamic cult led by Edmund Pamintuan, a.k.a. kumander Lahi, during the late 70"s and early 80"s.     However, since the Adamic was staunchly anti- communist and any revolutionary movement, it was reportedly raided by an Islamic rebel group. All 250 families living there perished.     Razalan said that many people can live prosperously if the plateau can once again be developed into a settlement of peace-loving people.