BY: PLTCOL Byron Filog Allatog
In the remote municipality of Simunul, Tawi- Tawi, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), lies the island of Manuk Mangkaw. Home to over 12,000 residents, predominantly from the Sama tribe, the island exemplifies the challenges faced by geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines. Not only is transportation a challenge, but limited access to healthcare is also a problem, as well as the scarcity of government services.
Recognizing the pressing need to address these disparities, the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT) launched the BRIDGE Program (Building Resources In Distant Geographical Environments), an initiative under the visionary leadership of PLTGEN Edgar Alan O. Okubo. Since the organization’s inception, PROTECT’s first significant outreach program represents a transformative approach to community-oriented policing that prioritizes service, partnership, and proactive solutions for marginalized populations.
Bringing Vital Services to the Sama Tribe
In collaboration with various organizations last October 5, 2024, PROTECT spearheaded a comprehensive outreach activity in Manuk Mangkaw Island. United in their mission to uplift the Sama tribe through essential healthcare and community support, the Metrobank Foundation, the LGU of Tawi-Tawi, Rotary Club of New Manila East, Cramp Crame, Makati City and Camp Panopio, and the PNPA Tagapagpatupad Class of ‘92 collaborated with PROTECT and were brought together for a cause.
The program directly benefited 2,595 individuals by delivering a range of services that addressed urgent healthcare needs. These services included:
• 1,150 medical consultations
• 300 eye check-ups and eyeglasses distribution
• 25 circumcision operations
• 200 tooth extractions
• 27 OB-GYNE consultations and 15 papsmears
• 60 patients received acupuncture treatments
• 210 individuals underwent basic laboratory screenings for uric acid and blood sugar.
• 210 dental hygiene kits were distributed, and
• 300 fluoride applications
The outreach effort exemplifies how strategic partnerships can bring tangible improvements to communities that have long struggled with inadequate access to healthcare and essential services.
Restoring Hope Through Infrastructure and Safety
The BRIDGE Program’s impact extends beyond healthcare. The program facilitated the restoration of the island’s Police Community Precinct (PCP) to strengthen public safety and security. With Php100,000.00 funding from the Metrobank Foundation, the precinct was refurbished to enable police to serve better as frontline providers of government services. This initiative reinforces the police’s role in fostering trust and ensuring the safety of the three barangays on the island: Timundun, Manuk Mangkaw, and Look Datan.
Further contributing to the island’s development are 28 solar-powered lights installed in strategic locations, including four primary schools, two mosques, and the PCP. This enhancement is expected to improve safety, facilitate nighttime school activities, and foster a greater sense of security for residents.
Leadership Driving Impact
The success of this outreach initiative was made possible through the unwavering dedication and leadership of the current PROTECT president, whose determination to secure resources ensured the program’s success. Recognizing the logistical hurdles of reaching remote areas, PROTECT mobilized funding through innovative fundraising initiatives. Such innovations include “shoots for a cause” campaigns led by regional Civil Security Group offices, which PLTGEN Okubo once headed, and golf-for-a-cause events. These efforts raised the necessary funds to purchase additional vital medicines, and to transport people and equipment from Manila to Tawi-Tawi, thus overcoming significant barriers of distance and accessibility.
A Model for Community Empowerment
The BRIDGE Program reflects PROTECT’s commitment to serving as more than just law enforcers. Guided by the philosophy that policing should uplift communities, PROTECT’s initiatives have become a beacon of hope for the Sama tribe and other marginalized populations. Under the stewardship of PLTGEN Okubo, the program demonstrates how police officers, in collaboration with civic organizations, can drive sustainable development in GIDAs.
The success of the BRIDGE Program in Manuk Mangkaw underscores the potential of community-oriented policing to bridge gaps in government services and create pathways for long-term progress. By addressing the unique challenges of geographically isolated communities, PROTECT exemplifies how dedicated efforts can transform lives, foster resilience, and contribute to nation-building.