(L-R) MILF-BIAF Eastern Command Deputy Front Commander Faisal Pigkaulan, SGADA Administrator Butch Malang, PSRO Executive Director Anwar Alamada, and Retired Police Officer Lumenda Idsala on the stage for the inaugural episode of PSRO’s talk show program dubbed as ‘Kapeyapaan sa Bangsamoro’ on January 22, discussing recent developments on the peace process mechanism in the region. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Government is actively engaging its constituents and the media in discussing recent developments of the region’s peace process mechanisms through a talk show program dubbed ‘Kapeyapaan sa Bangsamoro.’
Office of the Chief Minister’s Peace, Security, and Reconciliation Office (PSRO) officially launched the program on January 22, in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN).
This monthly initiative comprises a dialogue and a press conference, facilitating a meaningful conversation about peacebuilding efforts over coffee. The goal is to disseminate significant information and address questions concerning peace and security issues, providing essential updates for public awareness.
In the inaugural episode, queries on the approaches of the office in settling feuds or “rido” among transitioning combatants were raised, along with the preventive measures applied on the recurrence of settled conflicts.
“Unang-una, maganda ang monitoring natin sa ground. Kapag may balitang may pausbong na conflict, inaaksyunan kaagad,” shared Butch Malang, administrator of the Special Geographic Are Development Authority (SGADA).
[First, we have efficient monitoring on the ground. If ever a conflict arises, we immediately take action.]
“Pangalawa, kailangang i-engage ang lahat ng sektor doon sa area. […] Gaya nung mga traditional natin na mga politicians, at yung mga commanders natin sa area,” he added.
[Second, we have to engage all related sectors in the area. […] Like our traditional politicians and commanders present in the area.]
Meanwhile, PSRO Executive Director Anwar Alamada highlighted that the office handles around 30 cases, and they prioritize significant and long-standing conflicts.
“Alhamdulillah, lahat ng naayos nating rido ay wala pang recurrence,” he said.
[Thanks God, all those ridos we settled have not recurred.]
He also added that their office exhausts all possible approaches to settle conflicts and pacify possible tensions.
Retired Police Officer Lumenda Idsala acknowledged the pivotal role of PSRO in bringing peace to their family, stating, “Marami nang nag-intervene pero walang nagtagumpay, ang PSRO pa lamang noong November 2023. Mahirap pag may rido kasi di mapakali ang isip mo. We hope na dahan-dahang matapos ang mga rido, at we hope na magkaroon ng kapayapaan ang lahat.”
[Many attempted to intervene, but none succeeded, until PSRO managed to put an end to this rido in November 2023. It’s hard to be involved in a rido; it messes with your peace of mind. We hope that rido anywhere will gradually come to an end, and we also hope for peace to reign over everyone.]
Disputes in areas pose a great security threat, often impeding regional development and socioeconomic progress. PSRO is committed to preventing such impediments through upholding its directives to assist in carrying out mutually agreed peace and security mandates.
The establishment of PSRO is a result of a series of consultations to strengthen and institutionalize support for the existing peace mechanisms.
This initiative aligns with the 12th priority agendum of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, focusing on intensifying peacebuilding interventions and supporting transitioning combatants, their families, and communities through administrative, capacity-building, legal assistance, and technical support. (Bai Omairah Yusop/BIO)
