Mindanao justice services need to reach isolated communities to stop residents from joining armed rebellions, officials said on Nov. 10.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida vowed to make justice services more accessible and responsive to local communities in geographically isolated areas of Mindanao, The Manila Times reported.
Vida made the pledge during a high-level dialogue with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officials and local government representatives from Regions 9, 10, 11 and 13 in General Santos City.
The discussions covered gaps in justice services, insurgency, amnesty programs, illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal mining, human trafficking and cross-border concerns.
BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said accessible justice prevents communities from turning to armed rebellion.
“Kaya dumadami ang mga rebelde kasi walang matakbuhang hustisya kaya sumasama sa mga rebelde noon,” said Macacua.
He welcomed the Department of Justice engagement and said sustained cooperation with national agencies is necessary as BARMM builds on its parliamentary elections.
Macacua also emphasized the need to sustain government amnesty programs and provide former rebels with opportunities for societal reintegration.
A closed-door meeting produced a concrete proposal to establish a special provincial prosecutor for BARMM’s Special Geographic Area, which comprises eight municipalities.
BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam said the additional prosecutorial office would provide residents in geographically isolated communities with easier access to legal assistance.
A local governor also sought the establishment of a National Bureau of Investigation clearance office in a remote area to spare residents long-distance travel expenses.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag committed to providing the requested service to bring bureau resources closer to underserved communities.
Participants discussed the continuing implementation of amnesty programs as individuals, including former members of the New People’s Army, continue to surrender.
Officials also focused on harmonizing investigative procedures and strengthening agency coordination to address illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal mining and human trafficking.
Vida urged local officials to uphold the rule of law and emphasized that national-local cooperation remains essential to improving justice delivery.
Matibag pledged closer coordination between the NBI, BARMM authorities and local government units to strengthen institutional relationships.
“The DOJ remains committed to keeping its lines of communication open with local government units to address concerns, counter misinformation and disinformation, and strengthen public trust in the justice system,” said Vida.
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