By Johanie Mae Kusain and Bai Omairah Yusop

COTABATO CITY – For Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, the special entry of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members to the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be instrumental in ensuring there is peace and order in the region and its people are protected.

“One hundred two members of the MILF and MNLF who made it to the final cut formally joined the PNP after completing a very stringent recruitment process. We are confident that this special set of new policemen and policewomen will contribute in protecting our citizens and ensuring peace and order in the region,” Ebrahim said during his Chief Minister’s Hour on Tuesday, August 15.

In an unprecedented historical ceremony on August 10, a total of 102 members of the MILF and MNLF took their oath as members of the police force at Camp Brig. Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. Of this number, 52 were from MILF and 50 were from MNLF.

Their inclusion to the PNP force is in accordance with the agreement signed by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Bangsamoro Government in fulfillment of the provisions of R.A. 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, who witnessed the oath-taking rites, challenged the new recruits to “be champion of truth and be the example of bravery and responsibility.”

“The moment you took that oath, you pledged your allegiance not just to the PNP (but) you pledged your commitment and dedication to the public, to the Filipino people, that you promised to serve and protect them,” Abalos told the to the newly inducted PNP patrolmen and patrolwomen.

The secretary also assured the Bangsamoro Government that, with the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the national government will make sure that the implementation of the BOL is successful.

“We have already taken steps toward attaining lasting peace in the region. Sama-sama tayo dito sa pagkakaisa natin dito sa Mindanao,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ebrahim also mentioned in his Tuesday’s address that the national and the Bangsamoro governments will explore the possibilities of providing further opportunities for MILF and MNLF members to join the PNP.

“This will be done in conjunction with the continuing assertion of the full implementation of the normalization process. Needless to say, this aspect of the Bangsamoro peace process is crucial in sustaining the gains of peace,” Ebrahim said. (Bangsamoro Information Office)