Thursday, October 23, 2008 Barangay justice helps deter conflicts in Armm
THE creation of a judicial system that addresses problems at the barangay level has proven to be an effective deterrence to the escalation of family feuds, especially in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).
In Wednesday's Conference on Integrating Barangay Justice Service System (BJSS) Gains to the Mindanao Peace Project by the Gerry Roxas Foundation, two local barangay leaders expressed appreciation of the system, which, they say, has averted a number of conflicts in their respective areas.
First to speak was Barangay Justice Advocate member Nurudin Abidin of Tubig Mampalam of Bogao, Tawi-Tawi. He said that a number of conflicts and disputes among their community members were resolved at the barangay level alone.
"It has reduced the burden on the courts, on the judicial system by resolving conflicts which can be resolved in our level," Abidin said.
The same sentiment was expressed by Nurija Kallas of Barangay Huwit-Huwit of Lugus, Sulu.
Kallas even recounted an experience wherein an encounter between military troops and members of the community ensued based on allegations of a stolen motorcycle.
"It was resolved in the barangay level," Kallas said.
The BJSS is a flagship program of the Gerry Roxas Foundation to promote governance and the rule of law through community participation and citizen empowerment at the local level. The US Agency for International Development has funded the project. (CPM)
