by Paulnazer T. Lontua
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Muslim community leaders in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay laud the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its good practice in peace and order initiatives.
The PNP here made it a point to recognize the valuable efforts of the Muslim communities in attaining peace and order.
Two known Islamic community leaders in the province namely; Ustadz Sarabi Camsain, leader of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Teachers in Sibugay, and Alhapid E. Muhammad-Al Hadj, Muslim Tribal Leader of the municipality of Ipil, were recognized and given citation by PNP for their contribution as peace advocates.
On the other hand, Muslim leaders are also cognizant of the PNP’s good practices that established good relationship between the authorities and Muslim residents.
According to Muhammad, the presence of SALA’AM PNP personnel in Zamboanga Sibugay is one good move of the PNP to constantly communicate with Muslim leaders and community members to listen to their woes.
“We are happy with our relationship with our PNP here in the province because we feel like we are also part of the dream to achieve real peace in our areas. The SALA’AM personnel are always there to listen to our voices and hear us out. In return, we also cooperate and support our law enforcers," said Muhammad.
PNP SALA’AM personnel, Police Insp. Karib A. Muharram, SALA’AM Chief, and PO3 Galilie B. Alam, are constantly conducting Muslim community visitations and meeting with tribal leaders of every community to listen to them and lead to establish good relationship with the people.
Also, the construction of the PNP Mosque made the bonds between Muslim communities stronger. According to Muhammad, with the new Mosque, Muslim PNP personnel can now pray daily and congregate every Friday.
The recent celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the PPO was also graced by different religious leaders, who were also given citations and awards for their valuable support
and cooperation with the PNP’s peace initiatives.
PSSupt. Ruben D. Cariaga, PPO provincial director, hopes that PNP’s initiatives and the concerted community efforts of Muslim leaders in tandem would last until real peace is achieved. (NBE / P. Lontua)
