Davao City police, Muslim leaders hold Oplan Amanah outreach on child protection

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) joined Muslim community leaders in an outreach and awareness activity under Oplan Amanah on 14 November, aiming to promote peace, build public trust and raise awareness on child protection, according to the Daily Tribune.

City Director PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria led the activity, which carried the theme "Building Peace Through Faith and Trust." Organisers said the goal was to improve relations between police and the community through education and engagement.

Children received school supplies during the event. Participants also attended information sessions on the Safe Spaces Act, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, good touch and bad touch awareness, and the campaign against bullying.

Police officials at the activity included PLTCOL Angel B. Sumagaysay (Ret.), chief of the Police-Community Affairs and Development Unit (PSSO); PMAJ Jake C. Goles, chief of the City Community Affairs and Development Unit (CCADU); and PMAJ Joel Caesar V. Cabe, commander of Police Station 3 in Talomo.

Representing the Muslim community were Sultan Pamikiren Latip A. Arumoac Jr., chairman of the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO); Sheikh Jamal Munib, executive director of the Muslim Community Development and Peacebuilding Unit (MCDPU); and Sheikh Ismael M. Tahir, imam of Masjid Jamion Nur.

The activity drew on the Islamic principles of Salaam, meaning peace, and Amanah, meaning trust, to encourage understanding, respect and cooperation between law enforcers and the Muslim community.

The DCPO said the initiative forms part of its community-oriented policing programme, which seeks to strengthen child protection, empower families and promote shared responsibility for safe and peaceful neighbourhoods.