MANILA, Philippines - Local leaders and politicians in Sulu have agreed with the defense department’s proposal to declare the province “gun-less” during the election period.
The agreement was reached during separate meetings of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales with re-electionist Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Sulu second district Rep. Munir Arbison and their supporters last Friday.
Arbison is challenging Tan in the gubernatorial race.
Gonzales asked the two leaders and their followers, who are either incumbents or candidates for local elective positions, not to display their firearms and be responsible for the misdeeds of their supporters.
He also urged the two camps not to bring arms outside their homes or to leave their weapons temporarily at checkpoints.
“We want the elections to be peaceful. Guns should be registered and their owners should be identified. Your followers should not walk around the province bringing their guns. If any of your followers committed wrongdoings, you should discipline them,” Gonzales told the local politicians in a dialogue held in Zamboanga City.
Gonzales told Tan and Arbison that their firearms need not be confiscated because he has assured President Arroyo that Tausugs are responsible keepers of guns.
“We trust you. In turn, we want you to be responsible for your men,” he said. “Huwag ninyo ako ipapahiya (Do not embarrass me).”
Gonzales also encouraged the two sides to outdo each other in creating programs for their province and not in accumulating weapons.
“Let us just talk to the people in our jurisdiction… Sulu is a beautiful place and we should find ways to encourage investors,” he said.
The defense chief acknowledged that weapons are part of the culture of Tausugs but stressed the need for prudence in using them.
In response, both sides agreed to heed Gonzales’ appeal and vowed to cooperate with the national government in ensuring peaceful elections.
“We can do it… You won’t be embarrassed. We will heed your appeal. We have tried to come up with a list of weapons and submit it to the appropriate authorities,” Tan said during the meeting.
Reporters were not present during the meeting with Arbison but Gonzales said the lawmaker was also amenable to his proposal.
Gonzales said meetings with local officials are part of his department’s efforts to prevent violence or crimes by private armies in the run-up to the May polls.
He said he will also meet with local leaders in Masbate and Abra soon to address the problems posed by partisan armed groups.