MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Bangsamoro Government called on peace stakeholders, particularly the security sector, to strengthen peace initiatives and collaboration to foster a stable and secure regional environment.
The Ministry of Order and Safety (MPOS) made the call during the 6th cohort of the Bangsamoro Peace Institute training on December 8-10 at the Blue Lotus Hotel in Davao City.
MPOS Minister Hussein Muñoz emphasized the importance of cooperation with various peace stakeholders.
“In this generation, where security challenges evolve in complexity, your commitment to learning conflict resolution and integrating these strategies into broader development initiatives is both timely and commendable,” he said.
“This conference is not merely an event but a testament to our shared dedication to these essential principles. Through your participation, you are equipping yourselves with vital skills and knowledge, leading the way to a more prosperous and secure future for your communities,” Muñoz added.
Al-Ihsaan Chairperson Jorge Kiman, a participant from Basilan, highlighted the crucial role of partnerships between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the security sector in achieving sustainable peace and development.
“Partnering between CSOs and the Security sector addresses the root causes of instability such as poverty, marginalization, and historical grievances, among others, eventually fostering trust and achieving sustainable peace in the region,” Kiman added.
PNP Police Director of Tawi-Tawi, PCOL Rodolfo Inoy Jr., discussed the province’s peaceful security situation.
“We are very lucky in Tawi-Tawi because we are the most peaceful province in BARMM, our crime volume is very low based on the previous election,” he said.
UNDP Cotabato Field Office Head Winston Camarinas emphasized the complex nature of the Bangsamoro region, citing factors such as the exclusion of Sulu and the extension of the BARMM transition period.
“Right now, the nature of conflict in BARMM has shifted. It was very vertical revolutionary forces and security forces clashing back then. Now, it has been resolved. But it does not end there. There are too many horizontal conflicts that the police and CSOs have to deal with,” he said.
Camarinas also announced plans to support the island provinces, recognizing the limited resources.
The Australian government, through UNDP Philippines, provided the primary funding for this program. (BIO/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
