ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) — through its Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) — pledged to strengthen peace and security efforts beyond the transition period.

The pledge of MPOS was made during the 5th Bangsamoro Public Order and Safety Conference held recently at Acacia Hotel in Davao City.

With the theme “Peaceful, Secure and Orderly Bangsamoro Beyond Transition,” the conference stressed collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing issues across the region.

BARMM chief minister Ahod Ebrahim highlighted the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, especially in the security sector to sustain peace and security.

“We are gathered as one Bangsamoro, united in our common pursuit of peace, security and prosperity in the region,” Ebrahim said during the two-day event that kicked off last 30 November 2024.

“Your presence here signifies our collective commitment to forge an environment where Bangsamoro can live peacefully, thrive without fear, and where every community can flourish in harmony,” he added.

Ebrahim also pointed out the need to address specific threats, including armed individuals in communities and attacks on public and religious spaces.

“The challenges we face in our beloved Bangsamoro are multifaceted and deeply rooted. Family feuds, the prevalence of loose firearms, the existence of private armed groups and the scourge of illegal drugs threaten our peace and stability,” Ebrahim said.

“These issues, along with various forms of criminality, undermine the very foundation of our society and hinder our progress toward lasting peace,” he added.

For his part, MPOS Home Affairs Service Law Enforcement Coordination Division chief Bhenhar Ayob stressed the importance of collaboration with peace stakeholders, particularly Law Enforcement agencies.

“BARMM transition is now at a critical stage with the end of transition and first Parliamentary election at sight. It is a must that coordination, collaboration and complementation among us,” Ayob said.

“Looking at security, public order and safety of the region in the recent past, one can say that it is imperative to consolidate our efforts to sustain our gains and prevent the hawks from spoiling what we have already for our constituents,” he added.