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A contingent from the International Monitoring Team paid a courtesy call on officials of the Zamboanga City Police Office yesterday and discussed with them the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The IMT contingent was composed of Lt. Col. Radzuan Bin Abubakar, Site 3 team leader, Assistant Police Supt. Kam Yoon Kong, Capt. Mohd Fauzi Bin Adam and Lt. Commander Azman Bin Sabsudin. The IMT visit was part of the peace advocacy for the Zamboanga Peninsula which is considered by the United Nations as a hotspot. “I would like to extend my warmest gratitude and appreciation for the welcome,” said Abubakar after they arrived at the central police station and where they were received at the conference hall by City Police Director Supt. Manuel R. Barcena and the different station commanders and officers. After the opening ceremonies, the guests were briefed on the placements of the different police stations in Zamboanga City. A total of 11 police station commanders were present during the orientation. Also presented during the orientation was the current strength of the Zamboanga City Police which is a total of 1,011 policemen, not counting non-uniform assets, which make the strength ratio of 1 officer per 722 civilians. The Malaysians were aso briefed on the status of the Abu Sayyaf Group, MILF and the Misuari Break-away Group. The main duty of the IMT is the facilitation of the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF. With this is the monitoring of the group’ activities to prevent any violations of the peace talk agreements while the peace talks are going on. “I hope you can maintain the clean record,” said Abubakar. There where no reported incidents in the Team Site 3 area, which is the Zamboanga Peninsula excluding Jolo and Basilan, since the start of the peace talks since August last year and because of this the IMT extends it’s unwavering support to the police. “The IMT is a clear manifestation of brotherly concern,” said Barcena. — Alistaire Christian Chan
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