THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will study the recent peace and security gains of Indanan, Sulu, as a possible model for encouraging other communities to voluntarily surrender loose firearms and help prevent the return of armed violence.
In a statement, the National Police Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., welcomed the declaration of State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in the former Moro rebel hotbed and a ‘gun-responsible municipality,’ saying it showed the value of cooperation among security forces, local officials and residents.
‘The declaration of Indanan as a place of stable peace and a gun-responsible municipality is a significant achievement for the community and the security forces. It shows what can be achieved when the police, military, local government and residents work together to protect peace,’ Nartatez said.
Indanan was recently placed under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security and tagged as a gun-responsible municipality following a declaration involving the local government and security forces.
‘I have directed the Sulu police to help sustain these gains, strengthen coordination with local stakeholders, and continue efforts to account for loose firearms,’ Nartatez said.
‘We will also study Indanan’s experience as a model for encouraging other communities to voluntarily surrender firearms and work with authorities in keeping their communities safe,’ he added.
The PNP said sustaining the gains in Indanan would require continued cooperation between police personnel, the military, local government units, community leaders and residents.