Manila: The town government of Shariff Aguak launched Monday the first Municipal Command Center (MCC) in Maguindanao del Sur province, a facility designed to strengthen public safety, emergency response, and disaster management through round-the-clock monitoring. Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan, along with other municipal officials and partner emergency response agencies, led the opening of the MCC, serving as the town's central hub for security monitoring and emergency coordination.

According to Philippines News Agency, the facility features 24/7 closed-circuit television surveillance cameras covering public areas, marketplaces, and major entry and exit points. It is directly linked to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Rural Health Unit, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, allowing quicker response to emergencies. The command center will also provide real-time monitoring during disasters, support traffic management and help prevent and investigate crimes.

Vice Mayor Mohamad Akmad Ampatuan Jr. said this has long been the local government unit's goal to improve public safety and government services. "This serves as the eyes of our security measures against lawlessness to protect our constituents. This reflects the present leadership's commitment to provide efficient service and ensure the safety of every resident," he said in a radio interview Tuesday.

Ampatuan Jr. assured the public that Shariff Aguak remains peaceful and that travel on its major thoroughfares is safe despite recent atrocities in the area. Following a series of recent gun attacks, grenade-throwing incidents, ambushes and security disruptions, police and military forces have established additional checkpoints in the town's populated center and at entry and exit points.