SRI in cooperation with the British Council mobilize awareness in Community Policing

Video File: Messages of Nicholas Thomas, British Council Country Director
and Kathline Tolosa, Convenor of Security Reform Initiative (SRI), during the signing ceremony
of a contract in the implementation of the Community Policing Initiatives.

Davao City (April 21, 2015) – Awareness program on community policing is now in its impleme;/ntation stage initiated by the Security Reform Initiative, Incorporated (SRI), of the Ateneo de Manila in cooperation with the British Council in the Philippines, launched “The Golden Thread Community Policing Project Partnership”, at the Crown residences, Agdao, Davao City. 

MOA signed: Nicholas Thomas & Kathline Tolosa

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has provided assistance in the peace process through the UK government Golden Thread Funding secured by the British Council towards the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Article 11, Section 11, “The Bangsamoro Police shall adopt community policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining peace and order.”

Phillip Thompson, the Golden Thread Team Leader, a retired Police General in the UK, said that the Golden Thread is focusing on programmes that weave together the values and conditions that lead to more stable, prosperous and ultimately successful societies, including work in open government and society, peace and security, culture and development. The British Council was founded in 1934, with 200 offices in over 100 countries around the world and operated in the Philippines since 1978. The British Council creates opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries with the aim of Building trust and cultural relationships.

At center: Pieter Conje, lead trainer

Thomson said the UK has funded the project delivered by the British Council. The project is about the community awareness and consultation program, aiming towards the development of a community policing strategy and tool kit that reflects local people’s views in the way they are policed. Feedback will be given as a result of the project. He said awareness raising, Consultation and feedback will involve ordinary citizens, media and main institutions relative to the policing process. The production of a community policing strategy and blueprint is based on International best practice and local consultation.

Training participants with trainers

The SRI implemented the training of facilitators in preparation for the full implementation on community policing awareness program to be conducted mostly in the Bangsamoro area and other conflict affected areas in Mindanao. The topics of the training is focused on the role of police in the Philippines, the role of community in policing and in general the concept of community policing that can be easily understood by the people.

Workshop on the moved

Community policing trainor, Pieter Conje, a retired African Police General, said that community policing is a method of policing based on the joint effort of the citizen and the police who work together towards alleviating neighborhood problems. Together they also attempt to satisfy the expressed need of citizens in order to enhance community resident’s quality of life. In this type of Policing, police officers and citizens work together to identify problems and resolve them. The police officer acts as the catalyst, moving the citizens towards solving their own problems and cooperating for common protection.

Back-to-back communication workshop

Conje said since community policing exists in many countries and in many different cultural settings, there are many definitions of what it is. He said there is danger of community policing becoming meaningless “buzzword.” Therefore, the emphasis here will be on principles and components of community policing, as well as case studies, to help with any confusion. Conje said community policing is a philosophy and an organizational strategy that promotes a new partnership between communities and their police. Both the police and community work together as partners to identify, prioritize and solve contemporary problems such as crime, drugs, fear of crime, social and physical disorder, and overall neighborhood decay, with the goal of improving the overall quality of life in the area.

Phillip Thomson discussed with participants

Participant's report, Tina Lomoljo (standing)

 Conje said community policing is NOT “soft” on crime. Actually, a police officer that is involved in a system of community policing makes more arrests, since the community makes more information available.  He said community policing allows for the police officer to deal with a wide range of community problems in addition to law enforcement, and not instead of law enforcement. Community policing is “smarter” policing, since the police officer realizes that arrests are merely one of the solutions to crime or disorder in the community. The community police officer concentrates also on the causes of crime and disorder, to find permanent solutions to the problems.

Standing, Trainer Phillip Thomson

During this day, a memorandum of agreement signing ceremony was conducted between the SRI and the British Council for the implementation of the Bangsamoro Community Policing Project, aims to help shape and develop a secure and stable post-conflict scenario in the Bangsamoro through the practice of community policing. Project Objectives is to establish awareness of community policing basic concepts and practices; consult concerned communities about its role in community policing; Build relationships and confidence with concerned communities through feedback lines; Capacitate and develop key individuals in the community as champions on the basic concepts and practices of community policing; and Strengthen community ownership through local follow-up dialogues in pilot communities with different stakeholders of community policing.

Kath Tolosa with partners

At right, Fr. Chito Suganob with Lanao Sur team

During the signing ceremony, the SRI was represented by Kathline Tolosa, SRI Convenor and for the British Council was represented by Nicholas Thomas, Country Director. Thomas said this project will define the role of UK in the peace process between the GPH-MILF. UK will continue to grow on community policing and develop the context and design to implement the project the way it gets results. The British Council approaches are work on justice and conflict resolution, working 25 years or so in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East and other countries. The British Council works with SRI as partner on this project which has experienced on security in Mindanao.

Final posed of Trainees & trainers

Pieter Conje teaches ancient counting using stick

On the other hand, Tolosa look back from couple of years ago a focus group discussion in communities held for Conflict resolution in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao were conducted. She said "in Bantay Bayanihan we have perfect mechanism with different stakeholders come together with small pockets of hope available." She said what they are trying to do for the next round of months is to make the concept of community policing to be realized. In behalf of SRI,

Davao tourism @ organic food resto

Tolosa expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the British Council and the people of the United Kingdom for their commitment through the Golden Thread Programme as partner in the implementation of the Community Policing Project Partnership and in supporting the Bangsamoro community with compassion. She also extended her thanks and gratitude to Bantay Bayanihan partners because without them the project will not be made possible and the community policing project will journey with them together. Video file report & photos by Jun Enriquez.

MILF training facility found dismantle in Rogongon

MILF training facility found dismantle in Rogongon
Video File: Narration of Col. Gilbert Gapay, Brigade Commander
2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade
Ma. Cristina, Iligan City, 

Iligan City (April 18, 2015) – Joint Inspection and Validation Team (JIVT) was organized to conduct inspection and validation of the alleged 103^rd border command, a training facility of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), found in the remote area in Mt. Olamon, Sitio Limunsudan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City. The JIVT was composed of the government forces (Military), MILF, International Monitoring Team (IMT), Local Monitoring Team (LMT), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Media, Local government of Iligan City, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local populace, mostly Lumad Higaonon. The said team was transported by 2 military choppers started from the camp of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City going to the 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility, will take 20-minute air travel.

Palm oil plantation in Rogongon

Virgin forest in Rogongon

Col. Gilbert Gapay, Brigade Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said that the MILF 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility was originally based in Butig, Lanao del Sur and transferred to Maguing, Lanao del Sur and expanded in Mt. Olamon, Limunsudan. Col. Gapay said that probably the term “border” was present in its name because the place was found in the disputed boundary of Iligan City, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Gapay said that they identified local MILF leaders responsible in operating the training facility started in January 3, 2015 and ended on January 17, 2015, or roughly 2 weeks training. There were at least 80 recruits undergone the training. Gapay said that the first training was conducted in May 2014, in a remote area of Limunsudan. During the time of the training the local populace mostly Lumad Higaonon were prevented to go in their farm nearby area in the said training facility.

Marker of 103rd BCT facility dismantled

Entrance of 103rd border command

During the inspection, the 103rd border command is situated in the eastern part of Limunsudan with an area to at least 3 hectares and surrounded with shanties made of bamboo, round timber and coconut leaves roof and there was a river at the sideline. There were confiscated wooden rifles and rattan rings and it was believed were used during the training. The 103^rd border command had a marker written of white stones, that read, “Welcome, 103^rd Border Command”. There were concrete posts measures .30 meters x .30 meters with at least 5 meters high, for at least 20 posts in 2 lines with 10 posts per line with an estimated width distance of 50 meters between lines. The local populace said that the concrete posts was constructed in 2008 in preparation for the establishment of a sawmill operation for wood processing but later on was abandoned for unknown reason.

Wooden rifles found at 103rd BCT facility

The JIVT first visited the 103^rd border command on March 29, 2015. Gapay said the report on the said MILF camp was presented by Lt. Col. Athon Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4^th Mechanized Battalion, during the Iligan City peace and order council meeting on March 10, 2015, presided by Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia. The local officials reacted on the said report with the presence of Vice Mayor Rudy Marzo and City Councilor Bong Abragan, Jr., chairman on peace and order committee. The site inspection and validation was triggered on the complaint of the local government of Iligan City, but the first complaint was transpired from the local populace mostly Lumad Higaonon community in the area.

Shanties dismantled

Gapay said prior to the second visit, the demolition was thoroughly discussed with the ceasefire mechanism, the Ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH) represented by the Military and MILF and it was agreed to demolish the 103^rd border command because it’s a violation of the peace agreement. The purpose of the second visit in Limunsudan on April 18, 2015 was the demolition of the 103^rd border command training facility. Gapay said that the 103^rd border command is not a camp but it’s only a training facility made of light materials while a camp is made of heavy and permanent materials. Gapay said that the MILF counterpart acknowledged the presence of 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility and their men in the area.

The Lumad Higaonon in Limunsudan still in fears because of the threat by the armed group allegedly blamed the Lumads of their complaint to the Military resulted to the dismantling of the 103^rd border command training facility. The Elders of Lumad Higaonon expressed concerns on their safety during the time of their marketing from Limunsudan going to Talakag, Bukidnon, will travel for 2 hours through “habalhabal” motorcycle. Talakag Bukidnon is the center of commerce for the Lumad Higaonon from Limunsudan. The Lumad Higaonon will sell their farm produce and at the same time they will buy goods for their consumption. The Lumad Elders said that what they feared most of the possible retaliation as a result of the dismantling of the training facility because they were the first to complaint about the presence of the MILF in Limunsudan but they are open for a peace dialogue. Gapay said that they will maintain the peace and order and security with the PNP and initiate a dialogue with the community to prevent untoward incidence of violence the area.

Choppers at 2nd Mech Bde land pad

Gapay said that Limunsudan is under the political boundary dispute between the 3 local government units of Iiligan City, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Limunsudan was claimed by the Lumad Higaonon as

part of their Ancestral Domain. They have an ongoing claim on Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). The Lumad Elders, the Datus, said that they prefer to be part of Iligan City. The Lumad Elders also complaining of the existence of the Palm oil plantation in Limunsudan owned by Abulkhair Alonto, one of the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Palm oil production is a livelihood program of the MNLF after signing the peace agreement in 1996. The plantation started its operation sometime in 1996 but had no formal talks with the Lumad Elders about the use of the land for Palm oil production, but they had nothing to do with it because there were presence of armed group during those times.

Spotted sawmill somewhere Bayug river

The Lumad Elders said that there must be a First Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) as part of the traditional laws of the Lumad, if non-Lumad will use their land within their Ancestral domain. They are calling for the government to intervene the said problem because there were already at least 10 people from Lumad Higaonon tribe killed because of the land dispute in the area.

Gapay said that the conflict in Limunsudan emanated from the boundary dispute. He said that they used the global positioning system (GPS) to trace boundaries and it was found out that Limunsudan is part of Iligan City, however this concern is already beyond their control. Gapay said that the area is potential for economic development. He said that the visit is very timely with the presence of City Councilor Bong Abragan, Jr., now Acting Vice Mayor of Iligan City. Abragan said that he will take the matter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur and subsequently elevate the issue to proper authorities.

Ground view of the 103rd BCT facility

Aireal view of the 103rd BCT facility

 Gapay accounted the presence of the former 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility were handled by the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). He said they identified some personalities such as Abdul Amoran, a member of the 103^rd based command. Another one is Daud Saripada, member of the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) in Lanao del Sur and also a certain Aragasi Mardan.He said there were six identified men acted as leaders in the recruitment in Limunsudan. Gapay said that the recruits were promised of P15,000.00 to P30,000.00 a month and 5 hectares of land which was not happened in reality. He said there was an element of deception during the recruitment.

Lake Lanao at the crater of Lanao Sur

Col. Gapay said, MILF CCCH-Ad hoc joint action group (AHJAG) member Amir Usman confirmed that the names of the leaders transpired in 103^rd border command are members of the MILF. Gapay said, If proven by the MILF that they are the people conducted the recruitment in Limunsudan and are legitimate members of MILF, they will be given sanctioned by the MILF for violating the ceasefire agreement. Limunsudan, Rogongon is contiguous area of Kapai and Tagoloan II of Lanao del Sur, under the provision on territory in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), will have the opportunity to petition 10 percent of the total voters and participate in a plebiscite on the Bangsamoro.

Chopper land at 103rd border command

 Col. Gapay said that they didn’t have any evidences that there was a tactical alliance between the MILF and New Peoples Army (NPA) in the area. He said the NPA is coming from Bukidnon and the MILF is coming from Lanao del Sur and possibly they have common area of operation in Limunsudan.

The former training facility was a very remote area. The Military didn’t found it during their operation. It was only identified through the local populace because they are very familiar in the place. Gapay said the former training facility was irritant to the peace process. He said in the ceasefire agreement, expansion of forces are not allowed during the period of the peace process. Gapay assured that it’s a remote possibility to have violence and conflict in the area because the ceasefire agreement still in place and the MILF is committed to respect the ceasefire mechanism.

At left, Col. Anthon Abrina

2nd-right, City Councilor Abragan

Gapay said MILF law enforcement is illegal and not included in the operating guidelines of the ceasefire agreement. Also included the participation of the MILF members in the “rido” cultural conflict is illegal because it’s a potential flash point of conflict against the government forces. Gapay said law enforcement is the responsibility of the PNP.

Gapay in a conclusion regarding the unconstitutionality of Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) are loopholes and weaknesses should be amended and revised to conform in the constitution which versions more meaningful, sound and just, inclusive and enduring peace. The BBL should be addressed peacefully by the lawmakers, Gapay ended. Video file report and photos by Jun Enriquez.

Video File: Cardinal Quevedo convene Friends of Peace launch in Manila

Makati City (April 6, 2015) - Peace advocates convened at the Asian Institute Management (AIM) conference center this city and launched the Friends of Peace (FOP) led by Archbishop Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo OMI of the Diocese of Cotabato. Cardinal Quevedo shared his vision and Genesis of the FOP to the participants. He said that long before the mamasapano event, peace advocates had already planned on monitoring and assisting the deliberations in congress on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL), the difficulties of transition from the ARMM to Bangsamoro government, the challenges of implementing the BBL. A small group of such peace advocates had those intentions in mind and called themselves Friends of Peace (FOP).

From the time the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was signed at Malacanang to the time when the proposed bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was submitted congress, great optimism generally prevailed that finally decades of armed conflict would cease. many considered the BBL as a promise of a just and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. It clearly articulatesthe right of Bangsamoro self-determination within a limited territory, the preservation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The optimism was dashed to pieces in the aftermath of the human tragedy at Mamasapano that claimed the lives of 44 troops of the Special Action Force of the National Police, 17 MILF combatants and several civilians. the charges of murder and massacre of the SAF allegedly perpetarted by the MILF uncovered the deep resentment, biases, prejudices, against Muslims harbored by Christian majority including some of the legislators. the Mamasapano tragedy brought the congress deliberations on the BBL to a halt and voices were raised against the BBL by the outraged public.

There were two general reactions to the Mamasapano tragedy cam be immediately perceived: outrage against the MILF and the BBL, including anger at the government peace panel taht negotiated the CAB; dismay and disappointment by peace advocates in Mindanao that had closely followed the peace  process. A Mutual mistrust wasrose from the blood shed by SAF, MILF, and civilians at Mamasapano.

The FOP are the group of men and women who bond together for the common purpose of fostering harmony among Mindanawons (Muslims, Lumads, Christians, and members of other religious traditions). FOP are non-partisan, independent, free of any entanglement with the parties in conflict. With other like-minded Filipinos in the country, they resolve to promote peace through dialogue and to engage in the education and formation of persons of dialogue. Their vision goes beyond the implementation of the BBL and into the formation of a human ecology of harmony and peace among various ethnic groups and religious traditions. The FOP are interested on how the world of education, religion, the professions, social communications, and the arts could contribute to such a human environment, they have a vision of socialharmony and peace, a vision of social justice and human development. To achieve this vision the FOP wish to collaborate with other individuals, with groups and communities, people of good will.

The concrete concerns of the FOP were based in the aftermath of the Mamasapano and identified immediate concerns: the eruption of age-old biases and prejudices, the role of media in sustaining the public sentiment of outrage, the values and mindsets of legislators that reinforce the public sentiment, misinformation and misinterpretation among the general public regarding the the peace process and the peace agreement, and the impact of all of the above on the BBL as well as on lasting peace. The FOP also strategically on how to restore trust that would be adequate in creating a sober, rational, and objective deliberation on the BBL - this is the immediate task that FOP desires to achieve in the short term.

A suggested plan of action towards a change of mind and heart. For the immediate concerns, this will promote reconciliation and reduce biases and prejudices - widows and children from MILF, SAF and civilians to share their experiences of grief for lost of love ones. A team of FOP to go on an information tour about the truth of "objectionable" provisions of BBL to media people, universities, business world, religious groups. Invite media people and legislators to visit conflict areas in mindanao and be exposed to the situation of ordinary people as well as of "bakwits" (evacuees). Invite legal and constitutional experts to provide a re-wording of questionable provisions in the BBL so that such provisions would be more clearl.y attuned to the letter and spirit of the constitution. Suggest improvements on the proposed BBL, e,g., on transitional justice, on time-free referendum by 10% of the people, on contiguity, on "exclusive" power over education.

For the long term objective, the FOP envisioned on Education and formation towards Dialogue and Peace. This will start with Basic education - embed it into the curriculum. For families - create a culture of respect for others, a culture of loving dialogue in the home. For the different religious beliefs - follow up the work of the families, do the same for religious groups (e.g., masjid communities, parishes, Basic Ecclesial communities, religious groups and leaders), Intra-faith and inter-faith dialogue. Provide exposure programs for men and women, youth and children towards a dialogue of life. Training for leadership towards a culture of Dialogue and Peace. Develop networks of dialogue and peace, create synergy. For the other members of civil society, help provide and promote a citizens' agenda for social justice and human development, especially for the Bangsamoro who represent a worst case scenario.

The conveners of the Friends of Peace  are the following: Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo OMI, Cardinal, Archdiocese of cotabato; Hon. Santanina Rasul, Former Seantor, Chairperson, Magbasa Kita Foundation; Founding Chair, KASANYAGAN Foundation; Atty Christian Monsod, Member, 1987 Constitutional Commission; Hon. Bainon Karon, Former Vice Governor, ARMM, Chairperson, Federation of Bangsamoro Women's Organization; Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, President, Ateneo de Davao University; Mr. Vicente T. Lao, Chairman, Mindanao Business Council, Davao City.

Cardinal Quevedo facilitating

Participating civil society organizations were the Mindanao Peace Weavers, Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Mindanao People's Caucus,  Young Moro Professionals, Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace, National Ulama Conference - Philippines, Western Mindanao State University, Nisa Ul Haqq Fi bangsamoro, Peace Advocates Zamboanga, Peacebuilders Community, CODE NGO, MINCODE, CAFOD-Peace Network, Mindanao Solidarity Network, Center for Peace Education - Miriam College, Balay Mindanao and World Interfaith Harmony Partners.

Action plan for the FOP will be more challenging by engaging dialogue with the two houses of congress, to lobby for the passage of the BBL. A continuing peace education for the people will be conducted to minimize the impact of misunderstanding that lead to disinformation and conflict. Media dialogue is also considered to gradually educate the media of the conflict situation in Mindanao of diverse cultures, rooted from the historical backgrounds to political aspirations on self-determination and the peace process. Video report by Jun Enriquez/ Photos by Malyne D. Gungob.