The Ministry of Public Order and Security (MPOS), through its Division of Special Operations and support by the Special Development Fund (SDF), conducted a series of Community Safety and Security Enhancement Project: Capacity Development Trainings on Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) from December 5 to 8, 2024. These sessions targeted six barangays in the municipalities of Datu Piang and South Upi—Barangays Buayan, Montay, Duaminanga, Pandan, Lamud, and Kuya.
The trainings were organized to establish and strengthen EWER structures in these areas, which have faced significant challenges such as land disputes and feuds and are among the most conflict-affected in the province of Maguindanao. As part of the MPOS’s broader objectives under the SDF initiative, the program seeks to enhance community resilience, promote proactive conflict prevention, and support the vision of sustainable peace and development across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Barangay officials expressed their gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its potential to improve peace and order within their communities. “We are deeply thankful to MPOS for bringing this program to our barangay. It gives us hope and concrete tools to address the conflicts and challenges we face daily,” said barangay Kagawad Ricky Batitiao from South Upi. Another official emphasized the significance of the training, expressing, “While similar programs have been initiated by other organizations in the past, we commend MPOS for not only building on these efforts but also for taking them to the next level and ensuring sustainable peace and security across the BARMM region.”
The training incorporated a range of activities aimed at empowering local leaders and residents. It began with an expectation-setting session to align participants with the program’s goals and objectives. This was followed by a Conflict Mapping and Profiling Workshop, where participants identified pending, active, and resolved cases in their localities, enabling a deeper understanding of the conflict landscape. Additionally, the EWER Volunteer Manual was introduced, providing essential guidelines on the qualities of effective volunteers and reporting protocols to support the implementation of EWER systems. The training concluded with a workshop where participants designed community-specific EWER structures tailored to address the unique needs of their barangays.
The enthusiasm and active participation of the attendees were evident throughout the sessions. They raised pertinent questions, sought clarifications, and demonstrated a strong commitment to applying the knowledge and tools provided during the training. The hospitality and cooperation of the participants also contributed to the program’s success.
Through this initiative, MPOS reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that every barangay in BARMM has the capacity to address the root causes of conflict and build a culture of peace. The Community Safety and Security Enhancement Project serves as a testament to the Ministry’s enduring commitment to creating a harmonious and secure future for the Bangsamoro region.
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