PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / July 9, 2013) – The Bantay Kalilintad, the local version of the Bantay Bayanihan, composed of civil society organizations in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, convened for the conduct of Bantay Bayanihan forum dubbed as “Civilian-Led Security Sector Reform: Popularizing Bantay Bayanihan and Expanding its Constituencies” held at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.
Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Divisio, said the forum was initiated by Musa Mohamad Sanguila, lead convener of the Bantay Kalilintad and Director of Pakigdait Incorporated, a civil society oversight body on the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan in Lanao Provinces.
He said Brigadier General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Jr, the acting division commander, represented Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista.
Trinidad gave an update on the gains of IPSP Bayanihan campaign both at the national level and in the Lanao Provinces.
“General Trinidad stressed the significant decrease in the violent activities initiated by both the Abu Sayyaf Group, especially against the civilians in Basilan Province, and the New People’s Army and this indicate that their capability have been reduced thru the effective counter-measures of government forces,” Somera said.
Trinidad acknowledged the initiative of the Bantay Kalilintad, but emphasized the importance of the involvement of more stakeholders in the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan in the pursuit of peace and security in the community and to “create a broad united front against the use of armed struggle.”
Somera said the forum was attended by leaders of the different civil society organizations, religious sector, members of the Non-Violent Peace Force- International Monitoring Team and military commanders.
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