THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) gathered 400 participants for a two-day forum titled “Oneness of Muslim Ummah and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism,” at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street from Oct. 18 to 19.
Acting DCPO director Col Mannan C. Muarip and BGen Joseph R. Arguelles, Police Regional Office XI chief, spearheaded the initiative, which falls under Oplan Amanah—a peace advocacy program focused on promoting trust, compassion, and responsibility—values rooted in the Islamic concept of trust.
The forum convened representatives from various Muslim tribes across the region, alongside key figures from law enforcement, including Lt Col Harold A. Ho, executive officer of Task Force Davao, and local government representatives.
In his address, Muarip underscored the critical role of community engagement in maintaining security.
Drawing on his experience, he recounted the founding of the Salaam Police, a unit established to foster peace and understanding within Muslim communities.
Muarip also provided a historical overview of terrorism in the Philippines, emphasizing that community vigilance and timely reporting to authorities are crucial in preventing acts of violence.
The forum served as a platform for dialogue, education, and solidarity, reinforcing the collective responsibility of both law enforcement and the Muslim community in building a safer, more inclusive society.
The DCPO reaffirmed its commitment to the program, stating that the event highlighted the importance of being true and caring to others—the core principles of Oplan Amanah.
