AFP, PNP, MILF, IMT hold joint convention to help Al-Barka, Basilan

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 28 (PIA) – A joint convention of the military, police, the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) was conducted recently at the “conflict-prone” town of Al-Barka in Basilan to help rebuild itself.

In a report, Basilan police chief PSSupt Mario M. Dapilloza said that the convention had tackled the project proposal offered and funded by the International Monitoring Team with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The proposals discussed include the construction of school buildings in the municipality that would address its primordial need of educating its children and youth to build a better Al-Barka in the near future.

The police chief said that the convention held last Dec. 5 with the MILF commanders, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the IMT was a manifestation of government’s sincerity to complete the peace process and the on-going talks with the MILF in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

Dapilloza said that the Aquino administration is committed to the completion of the FAB, with the military and the police providing the needed support on the ground. The efforts, he added, include the support from local and international institutions to advocate for the full realization of the peace framework of the government with the MILF.

“Everything is towards the common goal of peace and development of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he stressed.

He said the police is working closely with the military and other agencies as part of its advocacy to promote collaborative efforts in attaining peace and development for the Bangsamoro.

With the election period at hand, the Basilan Provincial Police Office (BPPO) also introduced at the convention its Safe and Secure Elections (SAFE) 2013 program and some issue and concerns related to the elections. The police hope that the MILF could help in maintaining peace and order during the forthcoming national and local elections.

The police chief and the military’s 104^th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito V. Galvez have conveyed their appeal to the convention participants of the need to work together, especially on the significant role that each individual could contribute to attain a safe, free, and peaceful elections.