Environmental activists launch nationwide campaign against mining and coal fired power plants

                                       
                                  By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City (June 29, 2016) - Environmental activists Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMJC) spearheaded the nationwide campaign together with other activists civil society groups for the protection of the environment against irresponsible mining and other destruction arising from the massive pollution that will destroy the precious environment. The group of environmental activists favored and supported the appointment of the then incoming Secretary and now the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ms. Gina Lopez of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

The newly elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Ms. Lopez for the position as DENR Secretary. Lopez was never spared in bullying from the big mining operators especially from the alleged mining magnate Manny Pangilinan.

Ms. Inday Gonzales, spokesperson from PMCJ said that the nationwide campaign is for the Filipino people. She said that Ms. Lopez is an environmentalist and sincere in her campaign for environmental protection. Ms. Lopez was one spearheaded the rehabilitation of the Pasig river, an environmental flagship project called “piso-piso para sa Pasig river”  to become productive and served as the alternative route using passengers’ boat for the commuters to evade heavy traffic in land transportation in Metro Manila. Gonzales said that the campaign will include the stop of the construction of the monstrous coal fired power plants in the country. Gonzales said that Ms. Lopez will not afraid of the bullying from the mining operators because the people supports her appointments. 

There are ongoing constructions of coal fired power plants in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte with generating capacity of 540 megawatts (MW), 300 MW in Ozamiz City and 20 MW in iligan City that potentially cause massive damage in the Iligan bay and panguil bay including air land and other bodies of water in the Lanao region, Misamis Occidental and nearby places. All these ongoing construction of coal fired power plants have no proper consultations with the people and it was believed that environmental impact studies are bogus to support the issuance of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC). The people in Kauswagan were complaining of deception, conspiracy and manipulation in constructing the coal plant because at first the people were consulted that solar power will be constructed in their place but later on it was a coal fired power plant. 

Just recently the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Lanao del Norte has conducted a final public hearing on June 26, 2016 in Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte for the Provincial Ordinance Banning the construction of coal fired power plant in the province. Board member Atty. Usop Omar, the author of the draft ordinance No. 002 series of 2016, together with Board members Casimero Bagol and  Jack Maruhom said that the ongoing construction of the GN Power Kauswagan (GNPK) will take their own risk against the ordinance if approved. Omar said that the GNPK have not seek clearance from the provincial government especially in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the construction of the coal fired power plant. Omar said that the Mayors in nearby municipalities complaint on the construction of the GNPK because they have not been consulted but in general the said coal plant will bring destruction to humanity in the province of Lanao del Norte and nearby places due to the pollution of many substances such mercury, lead, nickel, sulfur, carbon dioxides and other gaseous forms which are carcinogenic, a cancer causing substances.  

Other groups participated the nationwide campaign are the freedom from debt Coalition (FDC), Power Alternative Agenda in Mindanao (PALAG), Balay Integrated Rehabilitation for Total Human Developemnt (BIRTHDEV), Iligan Sendong-survivors Movement (ISM), Lanao Alliance for Human Rights Advocates, Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), Ranaw Women and Children Rahabilitation Center (RWCRC),  Ranao Disaster Response and rehabilitation Action Center (RDRRAC),  ECOWEB, Kapamagogopa, Inc (KI), the Youth, Women and other sectors. with reports by Teresita Dalman & photo by Jack Macatimbol.

BGen Cabreros grace the 15th IB Change of command ceremony

 By Jun Enriquez

BGen. Harold N. Cabreros, AFP, 3rd ID Commander, delivered 

a message during the 15th IB Change of Command ceremony  

Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (May 20, 2016) – It was one year, ten months and 8 days, sometime in August 2014. Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero INF (GSC) PA, in his message said, he stood in the same ground in Bagumbayan to say his first hello as Commander of the 15^th Infantry “Warrior” Battalion Philippine Army, but during this day he will bid goodbye. He extended thanks to all those who contributed their success. He extended thanks to his former Division Commanders of the 3^rd Infantry Division, Major General Aurelio B. Baladad and Major General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero. During the ceremony he submitted his accomplishment report to BGen Harold N. Cabreros, Commander of the 3^rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and the presiding officer of the ceremony. He also acknowledged former immediate past and present Brigade Commanders Col. Gilbert Gapay and Col. William Alunday, for the utmost trust and confidence extended to him during his tour of duty.

From R-L, Lt. Col. Mongao, BGen Cabreros, Lt. Col. Doctolero & emcee 

Doctolero said the Province of Lanao del Norte is the greatest gift of all for the trust and cooperation extended by its people to secure the peace. He mentioned the “Gawad Kalinga”, a private and religious organization was the main partner in all their “Kalinga sa Bayan” activities with other stakeholders. Kalinga sa Bayan is a peacebuilding activity for the children and the youth. He also extended his gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as their counterpart in peace and security, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for their support and cooperation in peace and development.

BGen Cabreros received token

Doctolero extended his heartfelt thanks to all the Officers men and women in the 15^th IB in supporting and standing by him especially in the difficult times. He said “We were able to be in the Army closer to the people and we have done our part more importantly of winning the peace”. He said the recently held elections was managed to enjoy the first ever peaceful elections conducted in many years.

Doctolero said “ours is success measured not by the numbers of encounters over the numbers of enemies killed nor by firearms recovered, but it is measured by a meaningful success of how much we touch the lives of the people and contributed to their well-being by looking the performance in the past years. It’s time to recognize not only the achievements but also our mistakes and apologized shortcomings as Battalion commander. He said sorry to those ranks discharged, demoted, reprimanded and relieved. He said their responsibility is an enormous one in the protection and service to the Filipino people. Doctolero said the 15^th IB in Lanao del Norte ay “hindi pwde ang pewde na”.

Doctolero extended the best of luck to his successor Lt. Col. Audie Mongao INF (GSC) PA, his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1988 under the Gulf Company, the best company in their class.

Incoming Commander of 15^th IB, Lt. Col. Audie A. Mongao INF (GSC) PA, extended his thanks to the presiding officer, BGen Harold N. Cabreros AFP, Commander , 3ID PA. He extend his appreciation to the leadership of Lt. Col. Doctolero for the good stewardship of the 15^th IB. Mongao said that 15^th IB is memorable to him because in mid 1980s it was the armed unit in Iloilo province of UP cadet officers ROTC training. The same unit replaced the 10^th IB in Poona Piagapo and he served as battalion Ex – O in 2009 under the former commander Col. Jambala.

Lt. Col. Mongao assured the men and women in 15^th IB that he will continue the projects and activities started by predecessor with able competence, honesty and integrity. The Province of Lanao del Norte as the main beneficiary on peace and security is also assured. Mongao assured that 15^th IB will continue its support to the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

In his message, Brigadier General (BGen) Harold N. Cabreros, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) congratulated the two commanders, Lt. Col. Doctolero and Lt. Col Mongao for leading the 15^th IB. Cabreros said every change of command is a milestone for the Philippine Army and its commanders involved. It signifies an end as well as the beginning and highlights Army’s undying service as an institution to serve and defend. He said “today’s change of command accelerate our trust  towards the fulfillment of the Armys reform initiative”. He said that this demonstrate the Army’s dynamism and also rationalizes the job placement of the military officers. In this endeavor will take one step further towards becoming a genuinely professional army.

LTC Doctolero handed his report to
BGen Cabreros

Cabreros said that the "outgoing commander is known to be a competent leader of 15th IB based on the gains of success, was a clear manifestation of his commitment to our Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, in pursuing the battalion in peace and security operations and programs in this region". Cabreros said the battalion gained the support from the Local Government Units (LGU) through the local chief executives and other government and non-government offices and organizations and the entire civil society. He hopes Lt. Col. Doctolero to carry on the same dedication, commitment and enthusiasm as he handle higher and sensitive position

BGen Cabreros congratulated Lt. Col. Mongao to have the 15^th IB with enormous task and responsibility at hand and take the lead in winning the peace in the region based on the campaign plan. BGen Cabreros said “Audie the challenge is now on your shoulder and focus the demand with full commitment in the implementation of our campaign plan in collaboration of stakeholders complementary to the IPSP Bayanihan.” He further said “let the meaningful change, peace and security will help benefit the 15^th IB organization, LGU and local communities, and Continue performing your duties  with utmost dedication and par excellence.”

BGen Cabreros urged the members of the 15^th IB to give support and cooperation to Lt. Col. Mongao in fulfilling IPSP bayanihan and Army transformation roadmap (ATR) imperatives. Cabreros gave guidance in winning the peace and attaining sustainable development in their Area of responsibility (AOR) by sharing the idea of David Osborne about culture strategies which are effective tools in development and management with three approaches, these are the Changing habits, Touching hearts and Winning minds which better aligned in IPSP Bayanihan ATR imperatives. By changing habits is to correct the mistakes in the past. Touching hearts is to show sincerity in attaining peace and development. Winning minds is to help our people to realize the wrong premise indoctrinated by the enemy of the state.

BGen Cabreros delivered a message

As a policy BGen Cabreros reiterated the word Obedience to abide. There are six factors of obedience to instill in the minds of the soldiers to obey. First, as soldiers must have sworn to serve our country and love of our people; second, obey the laws of the land, the constitution, rules and regulations and ordinances; third, obey the Laws of nature, respect the God-given blessings, the nature; Fourth, obey our own rules and regulations; Fifth, we have to obey our obligations and commitment to our family. He said we always obey the laws but forget to obey the commitment to our families; Sixth, we have to obey the Words of our Almighty. Soldiers should learn to obey. The change of command ceremony is just part of the system in the military. BGen Cabreros presided the 15^th IB change of command ceremony because 15^th IB is under the 3^rd ID based in Amindan, Capiz covers Bohol, Cebu and Panay Island, as their area of responsibility. However, the 15^th IB was only augmented or borrowed by the 1^st Infantry Division based in Pulakan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, to be assigned in Mindanao. the Change of command ceremony was attended by the LGU officials, Civil Society Leaders, Military and Police officers, business and religious sectors.        

Iligan City Higaonon receives DepEd IPs Educ program

By Jun Enriquez

Dr. Randolph Tortola, DepEd  Supt. of Iligan City give instruction to teachers applicants.

Iligan City (June 8, 2016) - Dr. Randolph Tortola, School Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Iligan City said Two years ago, the education system for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) have had already started in Iligan City and can be found in Binasan Elementary school, Sitio Binasan, Rogongon this City. On June 4, 2016, the DepEd national office launched the IPs school in Valencia City, Bukidnon with the presence of DepEd Secretary Luistro. Dr. Tortola said that there are three (3) additional IPs education school to be implemented in Rogongon and will be situated particular in the remote areas. A Interagency team have conducted site inspection composed of the Department of Education (DepEd), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Local Government Unit (LGU) among others. DepEd central office will provide teacher allocation so that Dr. Tortola can start the appointments of teachers. Tortola said that any IP teachers of Higaonon passed in licensure examination for teachers will be given priority because the medium of instruction use in school is Higaonon dialect in order to preserve the culture and tradition of the tribe. This program will be implemented this opening of the school year 2016-17.

At right, Datu Buddy Landong

Datu Buddy P. Landong, a Higaonon and the Provincial Officer of the NCIP provincial office based in Iligan City said that the project is under the Department Order (D.O.) No. 062, the IPs Educational system, to include Iligan City. Landong said that he attended the orientation for the project, the schoolbuildings for the said project is funded by the KALAHI of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He confirmed that there are 4 schools to be implemented for the Higaonon in Rogongon. The Higaonon tribe is very strict in the enforcement of their traditional law. Datu Rey Soong, a Higaonon tribe and office staff of the NCIP iligan provincial office said that the First prior inform consent (FPIC) should be done before any project implementation must undergo the process of the FPIC. Soong said that there was no proper coordination Dr. Tortola is committed to undergo the FPIC process. Tortola said the DepEd office shall conduct consultation with the tribe to establish module to be used in the IPs school curriculum. He said that the DepEd office is in close coordination for the implementation of the project with Datu “Diamla” Rolando Soong, the IPs Mandatory Representative to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) as City councilor. The establish module will also undergo FPIC before it will be used in the classroom.

Dr. Randolph Tortola

Dr. Tortola said that cultural songs and dances must be preserved including tribal celebrations such as the “Kaamulan” festival. The Higaonon cultural practices can also relate with the culture of others for co-existence and survival. The IPs educational system will have a regular budget for schoolbuilding construction, teachers, instructional materials and supplies.  This is part of the inclusive education to all school age children to include special children, People with disabilities (PWDs), Madrasah education for the Muslims, alternative learning system (ALS), kindergarten education with ages 5 years old.

Ritual during Tribal dialogue

After the Elementary education the graduates children will continue their High school education from grade 7 to 10 in Rogongon Agriculture National High School also a recipient of the senior high school and will open grade 11 for this school year. Per results of the survey, Agricultural technology is introduced to the students because Rogongon is an agricultural area. Livestock raising is one of the area of learning. The IP education system will give opportunity to the Higaonon children to develop and become competitive professionals. Dr. Tortola said about those IP graduates in education but did not have any teacher’s license can also teach base on their skills to be applied in the ALS on honorarium basis. Dr. Tortola said that the Brigada Eskwela was very successful. The education system including the IP education are ready for the opening of classes for the school year 2016-17.    

PIOIAA hardly push in campaigning for Pres elect Duterte

By Jun Enriquez

PIOAA Alumni posed at Crocrodile park during the Thanksgiving ceremony of President elect Mayor Duterte

Iligan City (June 9, 2016) - Pi Omicron International Alumni Association (PIOIAA) is an International fraternal organization of professionals. The PIOIAA unlike in the past became active in the political campaign for Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for President because they believed that the Filipino nation needs genuine reform in governance to be freed from criminalities and corruption. Duterte was known to be a crime buster on drug syndicates in Davao City. Davao City is the biggest city in the Philippines popularly known to be rich in agri-industrial development with export oriented economy.

Lluch family with Pres elect Duterte, from left, Ellay, Thea, Duterte & Jude

One of the PIOIAA members Ellay Lluch, a business executive based in Iligan City said that the nationwide campaign for Duterte for President have had a lot of sacrificed and challenges. She said the PIOIAA in unity push harder to  continue the campaign. She said the DXEJ 98.1 FM Radio owned by Jude Lluch based in Iligan City was the mouthpiece of the campaign for Presidential elect Davao City Mayor Duterte, in Iligan City and Lanao region and nearby Ozamiz City, Misamis Oriental and Occidental, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

PIOIAA Alumni Dick Hermoso had a chat with DXEJ Manager Jude Lluch.

During the thanksgiving party on June 4, 2016 at the Crocodile park in Davao City, President elect Mayor Duterte challenge the three corrupt police generals in Camp Crame to resign before his assumption to office. Other high profile personalities link to drug trade will suffer drug busting operations. The appointments of the Cabinet Secretaries is almost done. He emphasized the red tip must be stopped. the processing of documents in any departments of the government must only take 3 days to effectively serve the people and fight against corruption in the bureaucracy. Duterte is very determined for a reform within 3-6 months upon assumption to office. 

Atty. Bertrand G. Somera, PIOIAA President

Ellay Llluch said the PIOIAA will continue to support President Duterte during the entire period of his term. Radio and TV political campaign ads goes nationwide initiated and headed by the PIOIAA President Atty. Bertrand G. Somera, one of the co-founders of PIOIAA. Alumni Dickson P. Hermoso is the former President and founder of PIOIAA. Photo by Ellay Lluch.

Iligan IPs supports Community Policing project

By Jun Enriquez

Higaonon tribal council with Sultan Saidona attended the Feedback Session  

Iligan City (June 6, 2016) - Rogongon is one of the 44 Barangays that can be found in a mountainous area of Iligan City. Iligan City has a total land area of 82,000 hectares and the 60 percent of the total land area of Iligan City is occupied by Barangay Rogongon.  It has a distance at about 30 kilometers east of Iligan city proper and has an estimated population of 5,000 people. Majority of the inhabitants in the area are the Indigenous people of Higaonon tribe. Some of the Higaonons converted their faith into Christians, others converted into Islam but the remaining members of the tribe remain to be a full blooded Lumad in practice of their culture and tradition. Inter-marriages among the three tribes, the Moro, Christians and the Lumad become common in the place and knowing each other’s culture established good relations among them. Lumad married to either the Christians or Muslims called “Kolibogan”. There is a Tribal council created by the Higaonon Tribe for the preservation of their culture and peaceful coexistence with other tribes. A Community policing Toolkit Feedback session was conducted on April 16, 2016 attended by the members of the Higaonon tribal Council composed of Datus' and Baes' for awareness raising purposes. 

Bae Gloria Soong, Princess of Higaonon Tribe, Bagy Councilor of Rogongon

One of the Tribal leaders of the Higaonon tribe is Sultan Saidona Mansumayan, a Muslim-Lumad and a tribal leader. He is popular to be called Sultan Saidona, also a Barangay Councilor of Rogongon, Iligan City. Sultan Saidona is the Committee Chairman of the Peace and order in the Barangay Council of Rogongon. The Higaonon tribe have its own traditional way of settling dispute on amicable settlement to prevent “Rido” or family feud through the Tribal leaders as mediators. However, the Tribal leaders have no capacities in solving bigger crimes especially on illegal drugs related cases. The tribal traditional dispute settlement is only applicable to the IPs or Lumads and Muslims but not in the Christians. In the case of the Christians' disputes against other tribes will be brought to the Barangay Justice system. The Barangay Justice system is also inclined on amicable settlement, if not the case will be elevated to the proper court. Sultan Saidona had attended series of consultations on community policing conducted by the “Bantay Kalilintad” network, a group of peace advocates in Iligan city and Lanao del Norte advocating Community Policing.

A Higaonon Datu narrated their traditional laws on dispute settlement

Sultan Saidona said there are cases in the area that cannot be solved in traditional way or in the Barangay justice system such as illegal drugs related cases. Upon listening to the discussions on Community Policing Sultan Saidona have understood clearly the principles and purposes of the community policing. He said Community policing is a big help on crime solution in Rogongon, the type of policing with the participation of the community is in the right track. Bae Gloria Soong, also a member of the Tribal Council and a Barangay Councilor of Rogongon have had the same perception with Sultan Saidona. Bae means princess in the Higaonon tribe. The Higaonon tribe participants understands community and the police are partners on crime solution that should be developed and strengthened to achieve just peace. However the community expressed their concern that there must be a police to be assigned in their area in Rogongon. During the presentation of the Toolkit, the participants from the three tribes, Moro, Lumad and Christian settlers are hopeful for the implementation of the Community Policing because the people in Rogongon is in need of a police to solve the problem on criminalities. As a Tribal and political leader, Sultan Saidona is hopeful that Community Policing will be realized in Rogongon, Iligan City. Photo by Jacmen Macatimbol.

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Community Policing for the Bangsamoro finally come up with a Toolkit

By Jun Enriquez

Community Facilitators attended the Community Policing Toolkit Launch at Crowne Plaza, Pasig City, March 15, 2016, 

Iligan City (May 31, 2016) - The Bangsamoro armed struggle started since Marcos regime in the early 1970s by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Prof. Nur Misuari. In August 1, 1989, Republic Act 6734 or the Organic Act of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was signed into law and was amended through RA 9054, the expanded ARMM of 2001. In September 2, 1996, Peace agreement was signed by the Philippine government and the MNLF during the Ramos Administration. Due to the dissatisfaction of the signed agreement, the newly formed Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) broke away from the MNLF and continued the Bangsamoro struggle in Mindanao. The Philippine government started talks with the MILF in 1997 and on the same year signed a ceasefire agreement to continue the talks.

In March 2000, an all-out-war broke out during the Estrada Administration started in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. In April 2003 another armed conflict broke out started in Bulioc complex in Maguindanao during the Arroyo Administration. In  August 2008, the MILF waged armed confrontation against the Government started in Maguindanao in protest of the failed MOA-AD still under the Arroyo Administration. All of these armed conflict escalated all over south and western Mindanao. Since the start of the Bangsamoro struggle, an estimated of 120,000 lives lost with at least 3 million people displaced and Billions of pesos damaged in properties.

In the year 2010, President Benigno Aquino III continued the Peace talks with the MILF. In October 15, 2012, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) was signed by the Philippine Government and the MILF followed by the signing of the four Annexes on Normalization, Power sharing, Wealth sharing and Transitional Arrangement and Modalities including the Addendum on Bangsamoro waters.      

In March 27, 2014, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro  (CAB) was signed by the Philippine government and the MILF that ended hardships in negotiations for 17 years. The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)/Bill if signed into law will replace the RA 9054, the expanded ARMM. The CAB and massive consultation with the people is the basis for crafting the BBL which later changed to Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR). Normalization as one of the annexes of the FAB is taking into consideration on security issues in the Bangsamoro. One of the provisions in the Normalization is the Police force for the Bangsamoro for law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order. In the draft BBL, the Community policing is stated under Article 11 Section 11 of the original version of the BBL stating among others “the Bangsamoro Police shall adopt Community Policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining peace and order”.  The Philippine Government has existing mandate on PNP concerns, the R.A. 6975. An Act Establishing The Philippine National Police Under A Reorganized Department of The Interior And Local Government, and For Other Purposes. “… the State shall bolster a system of coordination and cooperation among the citizenry, local executives and the integrated law enforcement and public safety agencies” (Section 2, Declaration of Policy)

                        Facilitators' training in Davao City, April 21-22, 2015.

In response to this, some of the peace advocates and civil society groups in Mindanao expressed their interests to initiate information and education campaign project on Community Policing in partnership and supported by the British Council and Security Reform Initiative (SRI), the main proponents behind the project on Community Policing in the Bangsamoro. It is funded by the UK Government's Golden Thread Community Policing Project. SRI as the national secretariat of Bantay Bayanihan, an oversight network of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) – Bayanihan, tapped CSO partners for the conduct of the community policing project in seven (7) provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Sulu, Basilan and tawi-tawi.

Feedback session in Rogongon, Iligan City, April 16, 2016.

Community Policing project is implemented in five (5) phases. First is Baseline study to gauge the level of knowledge in the community on the concept of community policing, and to understand how the participants currently view their law enforcers. Second is Awareness phase focused on raising awareness of the basic concepts and principles of community policing. It aims to prepare the communities for a greater involvement in shaping and taking part of their own community policing through the later consultation process. Third is the Consultation Phase, the communities were asked to define the specifics on how the participants want community policing to be implemented in their area. Indigenous policing mechanisms or policing techniques that may be unique yet effective in their areas were likewise surfaced. Fourth is Community Policing Strategy and Toolkit is developed based on the results of the earlier phases of the project and lessons drawn from international best practices. Working alongside the implementing CSO partners is a Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters – Directorate for Police Community Relations, PNP Police Regional Office – ARMM, Philippine Public Safety College, Armed Forces of the Philippines – Peace Process Office, National Police Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government – ARMM, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Security Reform Initiative, Conciliation Resources, and British Council. Fifth is the Feedback Phase closes the loop. The Toolkit will be presented to the communities to inform them of how their ideas and inputs were considered and included in the crafting of the Toolkit.

Feedback Session in Kolambugan, LDN, April 15, 2016

There are five (5) elements of Community policing. First is Service Delivery, Community policing is service oriented wherein the community is the client and the police is the service provider. The delivery of this service is best done through a collaborative partnership with the community. Second is Partnership, Community policing is a partnership whose objective is to determine community needs so that policing priorities can be responsive to those needs. This means that both the community and the police should become partners in creating a safe and secure. Third is Problem solving, is key to community policing. After identifying the problem together, the communities can now tell the problem to the police without the community and the police criticizing each other but rather joining heads in trying to provide solution. It also means working together in implementing the solution. Fourth is Empowerment, Community policing is an agent of empowerment, creating a sense of joint responsibility and a joint capacity for addressing issues and concern to the campus community and police personnel. This will require training about community policing so everyone has a constructive role.  Fifth is Accountability, in community policing, accountability is achieved by making the provider responsible to the client, creating mechanisms through which the police are accountable for addressing the needs and concerns of the community they serve.

Feedback session in Munai, LDN, April 23, 2016. 

In Lanao del Norte (LDN) province, there are four (4) identified model communities and implemented the Community Policing project in the municipalities of Munai, with dominant Moro people; Tagoloan, mix with Moro and non-Moro community; Kolambugan, dominant with Christians community; and Rogongon, Iligan City, dominant with the Indigenous people, the Higaonon tribe community.  Bantay Kalilintad (BK) network implemented the community policing project in Lanao del Norte, the local partner of Security Reform Initiative (SRI) with the head facilitator, Ms. Cristina Lomoljo, Executive Director of Balay Integrated Rehabilitation for Total Human Development (BIRTHDEV). BK implementing partners include the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP), Ranao Disaster Response Rehabilitation Action Center (RDRRAC), Pailig Development Foundation, Inc. (PDFI), Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), among others.  

Facilitating team discussed the Toolkit in Tagoloan, LDN 

The Bantay Kalilintad facilitators’ team in Lanao del Norte has conducted the “Kapihan with Champions” on February 29, 2016 at Villa Lacida Beach resort, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, Attended by the LGU representatives, CSO leaders and community leaders. Kapihan is a safe space where key stakeholders of the community are gathered to know about the Community Policing project on its basic concepts, principles and practices.  This activity aimed to update key stakeholders on the results and status of the Community Policing project in the Bangsamoro; to gather valuable insights and ideas from the local champions and identify their crucial roles in the conduct of the Community Policing project; and to draw support and commitment from key stakeholders.

Feedback session Iligan City by the SRI, April 27, 2016.

It was informed that Baseline results has a total of 767 participants from 17 different towns in 6 different provinces answered the baseline survey on Community Policing (CP). Respondents reported never having heard of CP (60%) not knowing the meaning of CP (66%), never having been consulted about it (79%), and not being able to name any of its elements (79%). In the Awareness results, a total of 1,178 participants from 29 communities in 6 provinces were able to attend the awareness sessions. Consultation Phase: A total of 1,071 participants took part in the consultations in the 27 communities. The participants came from key sectors, these include farmers, women, religious organization, indigenous people, senior citizens, people with disabilities, academe, students, barangay peacekeeping action teams (BPATs), members of the barangay local government unit, and members of security sectors.

Participants Feedback session in Tagoloan, LDN, April 24, 2016

Kapihan participants expressed their views that the partnership of the police and community should work together to assure peace and order. Barangay justice system is existing practice with the presence of “Lupon Tagapamayapa” is a big help in community policing to settle minor differences amicably to prevent full blown commission of crime. There are some organizations championing on tri-people familiar with the traditional practices on “Rido Settlement” also a big contribution in community policing. Documentation process is very important to know the root cause of conflict. Some Local government units have created Municipal Arbitratry Community (MAC), composed of Bagy chairman, traditional leaders, Municipal officials, relatives of conflicting parties. Police and LGU are active in Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) to discuss peace and order situation. There are non-uniform personnel (NUP) in the police force to gather intelligence report and combat crimes. Drugs still present but need to undergo due process (law standards). The most important is to inform and educate the people about community policing. Barangay Peacekeeping Action team (BPAT) is organized in almost all of the LGUs. Some of the religious sector are members of “Oplan lambat sibat”, a PNP program on volunteering on peace and order, part of community intillegence. The ratio of police to people is 1:1,000. It was suggested that Community Policing results will be presented to the Peace and order council (POC) in city, municipal and provincial level. Some Women organizations have organized women empowerment on Justice and healing and VAWC  at Barangay level.

Facilitators' training in Davao City, April 22, 2015.

In March 15, 2016, a Community Policing Dissemination Forum and Public Presentation and Toolkit Launch at Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. In the presentation, the main focus of Community Policing is inclined to the five (5) Elements accompanying the Toolkit. First is the Service Delivery, it aims few important features leading a move away from the traditional model of policing; second is Partnership, tailoring policing based on local norms, values and individual community needs; third is Problem solving, shifting patrol from time-to-place based on problem analysis and community need; fourth is Accountability, translating philosophies and strategies into concrete actions; and fifth is Empowerment, empowering of police and communities that allows the citizens to share decision making and responsibilities with the police. The technical Working Group (TWG) composed of 12 members decided that the accompanying Toolkit would be set against a measure that included the Philosophical, Strategic, Geographical, Tactical and Organizational dimensions of Policing.

                        Mr. Phillip Thomson (standing) facilitated the Facilitators' 

                        training in Manila, March 15, 2016.

Mr. Phillip Thomson, Team Leader of the Community Policing of the United Kingdom, in his statement said that there are many examples of Community policing around the world from which to draw international best practice and from which templates can be formulated. Thomson added “This project has fundamentally always about people and their aspirations concerning the style of policing they wished to have, so finally and most importantly I would wish to thank the people of the Bangsamoro for their enthusiasm and active participation in this project and the people and the Government of the United Kingdom represented by Her Majesty’s Ambassador Asif Ahmad for making this project possible”.    

                        Mr. Nicholas Thomas, Country Director, British Council (left) 

                        & Ms. Kathleen Tolosa, Executive Director, Security 

                        Reform Initiative, signed the contract on Community Policing

                        project April 21, 2015, Davao City.

Mr. Nicholas Thomas, Country Director, British Council, in his statement said that the British Council aims to promote a friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and people worldwide, making a positive contribution in all of the countries where they operate, and a lasting difference to the UK’s security, prosperity and influence. The British Council’s Community Policing Project, implemented in partnership with Security Reform Initiative (SRI) and the Bantay Bayanihan network is a central part of their work to support the development of a more open, prosperous and inclusive society in Mindanao.

Series of Feedback sessions on the Community Policing (CP) Toolkit were conducted  in Lanao del Norte in April 2016 in the municipalities of Munai, Kolambugan and Tagoloan, all of Lanao del Norte, and Rogongon, Iligan City. Another Toolkit presentation in Iligan City was conducted on April 27, 2016 with participants from the PNP and Military. There are 74 practical steps placed in a matrix that can be operationalise the 5 key elements, the Service delivery, Partnership, Problem solving, Accountability and Empowerment and serve as a guide in the implementation phase. In the matrix questions ask, “What will we do?” and “Why will we do it?” link to the CP Elements and Ethos or operating standards.  However, there are 54 items which are considered inputs with ownership of results coming from the provincial consultations concerning the issues such as police visibility, cultural awareness, Police station friendly to the victim, police in proper uniform and posture, professionalism, local police officer accessibility, among others.

An open forum during the Feedback sessions in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City have raised some questions from the participants such as, “This is intended to solve problems but it did not focus on the biggest problem which is the rampant use of illegal drugs, why?” the facilitators answered, “It is mentioned as one of the possible joint efforts considered by the community working together with the Police. Just to emphasize that this (Toolkit) is a guide and it will be detailed upon formulation of the actual mechanism in solving particular problems. Other insights, “It is good if implemented properly.” Others still questions the future implementation and said “We have no doubt about the capacity of the Police but the question is, are they contented to follow these (Toolkit) guidelines?”. Additional feedback from a Teacher, “I am thankful that our ideas are included in the toolkit and we can outright claim our contribution in the development of Community Policing Toolkit.” Some police participants reacted that most of the items in the Toolkit was already in effect but the facilitators informed the participants that the Toolkit is the product of the community consultation for the past six months.

 Ms. Kathleen Tolosa, Exec. Dir., SRI, April 21. 2015, Davao City.

Ms. Kathleen Tolosa, Executive Director, Security Reform Initiative (SRI), in an interview during the Toolkit launching by the Radio live direct from Iligan City said that the Community Policing Toolkit is the product over a six-month period. Scoping and designed activities were conducted to ensure that the project was fit for its purpose. Its objectives is to improve community awareness and understanding on Community Policing; Conduct inclusive community consultations to inform the Community Policing  strategy development; and Develop a robust Community Policing blueprint and toolkit for use and adoption by key authorities and institutions. Ms. Tolosa extends her thanks to the British Council for the successful implementation of the project, the United Kingdom Government through the Golden Thread fund support for Community Policing, the British Embassy in Manila provided direct support for the peace negotiations through the International Contact Group, the Bantay Bayanihan and SRI partners in Mindanao and other stakeholders for the actual implementation of the project in the seven (7) provinces in Mindanao and lastly the Technical Working Group (TWG) for making the Community Policing Toolkit possible.