DAVAO CITY – One of the lead ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao tasked to implement measures to combat El Niño has acknowledged that security challenges in some parts of the region could affect  government response.

Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Minister Baileng S. Mantawil admitted that there are some parts in BARMM that could directly affect the timeliness, accessibility, and continuity of government interventions once El Niño hits.

Mantawil is referring to some areas where lawless elements are still operating and some areas where recurring clan wars erupt.

“Security challenges could worsen food security as farmers could no longer cultivate and fisherfolks could not go out fishing in the marshlands,” she said. Security issues in some areas could also impede farmers and fisherfolk from transporting their produce, the MOST minister added.

Aside from MOST, other lead agencies implementing the Bangsamoro Action Plan (BAP) to combat El Niño are the Ministry of Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), and the Bangsamoro Government Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (Bangsamoro READi).

Mantawil said that security concerns may delay delivery of services, field monitoring, and emergency assistance especially if the dry spell’s impact are already felt.

“This can reduce the effectiveness of the BAP, particularly in areas with lawless elements,” said Mantawil, vice chairperson of the Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Last week, representatives of key ministries in BARMM crafted the BAP as part of their preparations against the adverse impact of El Niño.

Participants acknowledged that the prolonged dry spells could affect agriculture, fisheries, water resources, and food security. They also acknowledged that security issues hounding their communities may affect the implementation of measures.

Due to these concerns, the Bangsamoro government will strengthen coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and local peace and order councils before deployment of personnel, she said.

Mantawil recommended that lead agencies should conduct joint planning among humanitarian groups, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO), and security stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

“We should also continuously assess security conditions and adjust implementation strategies without compromising assistance to affected communities,” she said.