by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Basilan were one in saying that winning the peace in Basilan requires societal approach.
At the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC)emergency meeting last Sept. 28, the army and the police strongly encouraged the full engagement of all sectors of the society in building and sustaining peaceful communities in Basilan.
Both leaders of the army and the police have been calling for the support of the community and strong political will from the local government units (LGUs) in addressing the rising crime incidence in Basilan.
104thBde Commander Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista underscored that “a societal approach is needed to win the peace in Basilan.” He equated peace with development and prosperity. He believes that with community engagement, lawless elements will have difficulty in operating in their communities.
He echoed the aspiration of Board Member YusopAlano and Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam Suacito on the need for the government to reach out to the youth, who are lured by criminal elements into joining the band in exchange of firearms and money.
“The problem in Basilan is complex, complicated, and generational. And this could not be solved by the military alone but [also] from other aspects. We are talking here about development; teaching the out-of-school youth; engage the Ulamas in teaching the young. It is the whole of society—a societal approach is needed,” Col. Bautista said.
Meanwhile, Basilan police chief PS/Supt. Mario M. Dapilloza stressed that the work of the police usually ended upon capture of the suspects and filing of the case in court. He reiterated the call for a concerted effort, serious efforts from stakeholders.
“But we still have problems with the communities and the need for society’s help in educating the people and supporting their livelihood in order for us to address the peace and order condition of our community,” he said.
PPOC Presiding Officer Vice Governor Keemhar Jay R. Sakkalahul observed that government must begin to rethink about its strategies in dealing with criminalities and terrorists.
“It seems that our strategies are already outdated. The lawless elements are coming up with their own new strategies and tactics to sow terror and atrocities. It is high time to develop new strategies with the new army brigade commander,” Sakkalahul said.
The vice governor hopes to hear results and action rather than mere reports of figures of incidence and criminalities and victims in succeeding PPOC meetings.
The Basilan police reported that there was a rising incidence of criminalities in Basilan, where crime volume reported doubled from January to September 2014 at 269 casescompared to 177 in the same period last year. The figure does not include that of Isabela City, however.
