Cops, Muslim leaders set meetings for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is set to have a regular meeting with the Muslim community as they gear up for the preparation for the Sinulog celebration.

The meetings will focus on improving the peace and order amid the diversity of religious beliefs.

Yesterday, CCPO director, Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, said the Muslim community leaders have paid the office a visit to set the regular meetings.

“This will be a regular meeting na, not just during on trying times but a constant meeting na kung sa manag-asawa pa kung dili nagkaestoryahanay, naa gyud problema na motumaw, so we need to constantly communicate kay our intention is to have a harmonious relationship with all the different sectors of the society,” said Ligan.

Ligan said that during the meeting yesterday, the collaboration with the upcoming Sinulog celebration in the city was opened up.

“Labi na nga karon, upcoming na pud ang Sinulog, and previous experience, they are providing force multipliers even though na Sinulog is a religious activity na apart sa ilang religion, and yet they provided force multipliers to help foe a peaceful celebration,” said Ligan.

He added that it was good gesture from the Muslim community that they are hopeful to sustain.

Aside from these, Ligan also said that the vital agenda that was discussed was the intelligence monitoring collaboration saying that the Muslim community has vowed to report them if such will occur.

“That’s the vital part of the collaboration and coordination that we need from, kay they have been here, and whatever na information na makuha or masagap nila, they need to report and communicate with us para ma prevent nato or not ma-solve nato ang isa ka insidente,” said Ligan.

Last September 2, Police Regional Office 7 director, Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro spearheaded a dialogue with the Muslim community leaders from Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City and Cebu Province to improve the peace and order amid the diversity of beliefs.

The dialogue ended with a signing of manifesto wherein the Muslim community leaders vowed cooperation to maintain and improve the peace and order.

They however seek for reciprocity of the respect they are giving. — GMR (FREEMAN)