BAGUIO CITY — The Muslim community in Cordillera is one with police authorities in keeping the peace and order situation in this upland region and in ensuring the safety of all locals.
This was the assurance made by Imam Bedijim Abdullah, a Muslim preacher living in Baguio City and the vice chairman of the multi-sectoral Regional Advisory Council (RAC) that helps the Police Regional Office in Cordillera (Procor), particularly in its Crime Laboratory Service.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday, Abdulla said it is in the Muslim community’s interest to ensure the safety of all sectors, since what threatens the city or the region also threatens them and their livelihood.
“Our businesses, our families, our children, and our people would all be affected if we do not work together,” Abdulla said.
As an official helping police authorities in Cordillera, Abdulla also visits provinces in the region to check on the local situation.
The Muslim leader also gave the same assurance of Muslims’ cooperation with police authorities during a press conference for the celebration of the Police Community Relations Month at Camp Bado Dangwa in Benguet province.
Abdulla said the Muslims support the Philippine National Police’s campaign against criminality and ensuring Cordillerans’ safety, since their brothers also reside in various parts of the region.
He said he, himself, representing the Muslims, is in close coordination with the authorities in the region to curb security threats from unscrupulous persons, including those coming from the Muslim community.
“Every time we, Muslims, are requested to appear in consultations, we always attend to prove how supportive we are, and how committed we are for the betterment of everyone,” he said.
He said Muslims also join activities initiated by the police and the local governments regarding peace and order.
He added that Muslims also report crimes and the possible commission of crimes to the authorities.
He said as a Muslim teacher, he, for his part, is obliged to educate people, who do not understand the teachings of Islam.
Abdulla also serves as an Imam or preacher at the Baguio City Jail to help reform fellow Muslims, who “have lost their path”.
He added that the Muslim community raises funds to help provide equipment that would help cops do their work more efficiently. This, he said, is particularly true for the equipment at the crime laboratory service, where he serves.
“I have seen their condition. They are lacking equipment and other facilities that are needed to do their jobs, so what we did was we conducted fund raising events,” he related.
The proceeds, he continued, were used to buy office supplies and laboratory equipment and to build additional evidence rooms. “We are doing our best in contributing to nation-building,” he said. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
