The Ministry of Public Order and Safety convened delegates from different sectors to discuss strategies to sustain peace in Sulu during the Bangsamoro Peace Forum held in the province on January 23. (Alline Jamar Undikan/BIO)
JOLO, Sulu – Efforts to maintain a secure environment in the Bangsamoro region were highlighted during the peace forum initiated by the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) in this province on Tuesday, January 23.
Representatives from diverse sectors, including women, youth, religious, and academic leaders, civil society organizations, media, local government units (LGUs), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP), gathered to discuss strategies to sustain peace in Sulu.
The peace forum is part of MPOS’ activity in celebration of the 5th Bangsamoro Foundation Day.
In an interview, MPOS Minister Hussein Muñoz commended the collective efforts of every Bangsamoro in sustaining the peace and development in the region.
“Kami na [nasa] outside BARMM, we are very inspired to say na mayroong unity sa BARMM, may pagkakaisa, may pagtutulungan, mayroong cooperation,” Muñoz said.
[We, from outside the BARMM, are very inspired to declare that there is unity in BARMM, there is solidarity, there is cooperation.]
“Ang kailangan ay dagdagan pa natin ang ating determination, our political will, and our initiative, and our industry, dapat maging masipag tayo,” he added.
[We should further enhance our determination, our political will, our initiative, and our industry, we should be more diligent.]
The forum served as a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and perspectives on peacebuilding and security issues, and to identify ways to collaborate and support each other’s efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous BARMM.
The activity also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about the BARMM’s initiatives and programs for promoting peace and security in the province, and to offer suggestions and recommendations for improvement.
Notably, the war against terrorism in Sulu is over with the Provincial Peace and Order Council’s (PPOC) declaration that the province has been cleared of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) during the PPOC’s 3rd quarter meeting last Sept. 6, 2023.
BARMM’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts is a testament to its recognition of the importance of collective action necessary for sustaining peace and progress in BARMM, aligning with Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s 12-point priority agenda. (Alline Jamar Undikan/BIO)
