Malacanang today said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s concern for peace and development in the Southern Philippines will bring her to Mindanao on Monday, after an overnight rest in Manila from a successful visit to the United States, to consolidate efforts against terrorists, look into relief and rehabilitation efforts, and check on development projects in the region.

In a press briefing this afternoon, Presidential Chief of Staff Rigoberto Tiglao said the plan is for the President to be back in Manila Sunday and take a day’s rest from the hectic schedule in Washington, DC, New York and California.

On Monday morning, Tiglao said, the President will make a report to the nation on the outcome of her eight-day state visit to the US and then sign into law the Anti-Trafficking in persons Act of 2003.

After the signing of the bill, a priority measure of the administration, the President will fly to Cagayan de Oro City; Tubod in Lanao del Norte where the Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to be staged; Maigo, also in Lanao del Norte, which was attacked by rebels; and Davao City.

Tiglao said that after a quick visit to Tubod, the President will preside over a command conference of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in Cagayan de Oro to assess the anti-terrorist campaign and to check on the crime situation there.