COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 5 Apr) – The 2017 valedictorian of the Philippine National Police Academy’s (PNPA) Class “Masidlak” has vowed to combat misguided teachings being disseminated by extremist groups to recruit young Muslims.
Insp. Macdum Darping Enca, who was welcomed by city constituents here in a motorcade and testimonial dinner during his homecoming on Monday said he will bring light and hope to fellow young Muslims kababayans.
“If given time and chance to serve here, I will open an avenue to engage them in a forum, empower and enlighten them that it is not the right thing to join violent extremism,” he said in an interview with MindaNews.
Enca was welcomed by city officials led by Mayor Cynthia Guaini-Sayadi in her office after a short motorcade from the airport.
“It was such a glorious and unexplained happiness when I saw you all welcome me this way. To say ‘thank you’ is not enough,” Enca said.
“Our city is so happy you brought honor and pride as the first Maguindanaon Muslim who topped the prestigious police academy…. We are very proud of you, son,” Sayadi said during the press conference.
Before his testimonial dinner held in South Seas Mall, he was given recognition by the Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy where he spent his elementary and high school years.
Enca also received a plaque from Sultan Kudarat Municipal Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura for the honor he brought to the town and his alma mater.
His father, Engr. Yakubnur Enca, said he never expected his son to become valedictorian.
“All we prayed for was for him to survive and serve with all honor God, his love ones and the people. We are just so thankful,” the elder Enca said.
Enca, the fourth of six siblings, was a native of Barangay Kalanganan II in Cotabato City. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)