Pagpati'ut - Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Mediating Violence In Sulu
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realities, the space created by the relative peace in Silangakan perhaps
allows people to now look at issues from a different light. A deeper probe,
however, is necessary to pursue this claim.
1. Exposure to violence
Barangays Bunot and Masjid Pujungan register a relatively higher number
(See Table 9).
percentage of respondents having witnessed or personally experienced
violence.
Expectedly, peaceful Barangays registered the least percentage of
respondents who have witnessed violence. However, it must be noted
that Barangay Silangkan ranks second in terms of respondents having
between the government and the MNLF.
2. Dealing with everyday violence
Notably, in all Barangays, few respondents feel that they have the option
violence feel a sense of helplessness, admitting that they do not have the
Peaceful communities, however, have other mechanisms available to
seek redress. In Barangay Silangkan, for instance, the community has
developed its own mechanisms to raise concerns to the communitylevel.
It is interesting to note, though, that in Barangay Punay, the option
the municipal government is managed in Panglima Estino town, where
Baranagy Punay is situated.
A considerable number opts to ‘speak up’ when confronted by violence.
Notably, however, there are less who will ‘inform the authorities.’ It is
therefore unclear to whom the respondents intend to ‘speak up’ to or to
report the incident. (See Table 10)