PNP Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. – Photo courtesy of the Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police is looking to replicate Indanan, Sulu’s peace and security initiative in other communities as part of efforts to reduce loose firearms and prevent renewed armed violence.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Sunday that Indanan’s experience could serve as a model for encouraging residents to voluntarily surrender firearms and work with authorities on local security concerns.
The municipality was recently declared under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security and recognized as a “gun-responsible municipality.”
Nartatez said the declaration reflected cooperation among the police, military, local government and residents in maintaining peace and order.
He added that the PNP would study how Indanan achieved the milestone and determine which measures could be adopted elsewhere.
The police chief also directed Sulu police units to help preserve the municipality’s security gains and strengthen coordination with community leaders and other local stakeholders.
Nartatez said sustained peace would require continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies, the military, local governments and residents.
The PNP said it would continue supporting community-based programs aimed at addressing loose firearms and other security issues while preventing the return of armed violence.