Sunday, May 18, 2014

MILF: Nonviolent Peaceforce, UNYPAD conduct FGD for Community Leaders in Lanao Del Sur

From the MILF Website (May 18): Nonviolent Peaceforce, UNYPAD conduct FGD for Community Leaders in Lanao Del Sur



The Nonviolent Peaceforce in the Philippines (NPP)—unarmed Peacekeeping Force, conducted focus group discussions (FDG) on strengthening the security sector and non-state actors’ efforts on peacebuilding.
  
The activity was facilitated by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) and was held on May 7, 2014 at Ressan Snack Inn, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

One of the participants said, “In our search for lasting peace in Mindanao, Lanao Del Sur is now beset with the so-called local clan feuds or ‘rido’ and ‘drug pushing,’ we attended this seminar so that we can be part in finding solutions to the problems or totally eradicate them.”

Reports said that alleged organized armed groups in the municipalities of Malabang and Picong are involved in “rido” and illegal drugs pushing.

According to UNYPAD Coastal Ranao Chapter, the FGD participants came from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and Political Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel, Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) monitors, professionals, representatives from religious groups, traditional leaders and some local government employees of Malabang.

The Chief of Police of Malabang town, Alrashed Tulawi asked for help and cooperation from different sectors in the locality in stabilizing peace and order situation in Malabang.

Aleem Said Mo’men, Committee on Da’wah in Ranao Region, said, “Without support from local government and the security sector, including non-state actors, it is too difficult to settle local conflicts involving warring clans or families.” “Rido and illegal drugs-related problems couldn’t be addressed in our area without their help,” he stressed. 

A member of Markazzoshabab Fil Philippine, Aleem Alioden Dimaayao disclosed that despite the presence and efforts of the security sector assigned in Malabang, the problem on “rido” and illegal drugs pushing remained unresolved.

“I believe that the only solution is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Congress so that the Bangsamoro Government can fully implement its provisions and solve once and for all the nagging problems on family feuds and illegal drugs”, Dimaayao said.

The Brigade Commander of Inner Guard Base, BIAF-MILF, “Lemon 3” expressed his support on matters that pertain to security and safety of civilians.

He said, “if the PNP and AFP will ask for help, the BIAF is always ready to help for the sake of stability and peace in Lanao Del Sur”.

The Chief Administrative Officer of 115th Base Command, Datu Tery strongly recommended to the PNP to identify and arrest individuals that may possess illegal firearms at Malabang Poblacion.

On his part, Malabang Muncipal Engineer Camar Mauyag persistently called on authorities in the past to disband private armies and address the proliferation of illegal fire arms. “…because when there are no guns, there are no more killings,” he said.

The program concluded with a message of support from the UNYPAD Provincial Chairman of Coastal Ranao Chapter, Omair B. Saripada. He sought the support of all stakeholders in the region to the BBL in order to achieve lasting peace and tranquillity in Mindanao.     

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/981-nonviolent-peaceforce-unypad-conduct-fgd-for-community-leaders-in-lanao-del-sur

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