The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now looking into the Indanan model in encouraging other communities to voluntarily surrender loose firearms and help prevent the return of armed violence.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the recent peace and security gains in Indanan town of Sulu is proof of community participation in ensuring safer communities through sustained coordination among law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders.
Indanan was recently placed under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security and tagged as a gun-responsible municipality following a declaration involving the local government and security forces.
“The declaration of Indanan as a place of stable peace and a gun-responsible municipality is a significant achievement for the community and the security forces. It shows what can be achieved when the police, military, local government and residents work together to protect peace,” Nartatez said.
He said the Sulu police force was already tasked to sustain it and replicate it to other areas, particularly those with history of gun violence.
“We will also study Indanan’s experience as a model for encouraging other communities to voluntarily surrender firearms and work with authorities in keeping their communities safe,” said Nartatez.
The PNP said sustaining the gains in Indanan would require continued cooperation between police personnel, the military, local government units, community leaders and residents.
Additionally, Nartatez said the PNP will continue supporting community-based efforts that encourage residents to work with authorities in addressing loose firearms and other security concerns.