Pagpati'ut - Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue

Mediating Violence In Sulu
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– not so much due to the derogatory and discriminatory claim that
Tausugs love their guns more than their wives, but more as a reaction
ground. As security forces – both police and the military – have proven to
be ineffective in making the people feel safe – both in their homes, and in
public domain, civilians take it upon themselves to protect themselves,
their family, and their property. Recall that when asked who is responsible
for security, there was a strong agreement on the statement ‘the individual
is responsible for his/her own safety.’ (See Table 11)
“The feeling of insecurity among civilians juxtaposed with a perception
of a weak state 21 motivates people to secure arms for protection. “The
demand for small arms and light weapons is often fuelled by conditions of
insecurity, oppression, human rights violations and under-development.”
(UNDP Essentials No. 9, Nov. 2002)
“The paradox is that “…countries and regions with the highest level
2006) Still, legal and illegal gun-trade thrives because of the continued
and increasing demand for arms by civilians. Lawlessness, criminality,
banditry, and insurgency, and a culture of impunity, coupled with the
inability of enforcers to address these concerns create the impression of
chaos and danger in society. A number of civilians look at guns as provider
of security. The irony, however, is that while gun possession makes people
feel secure, its proliferation can also make people feel more insecure.
More guns in circulation can further exacerbate the already volatile social,
political, and economic divides that exist in Philippine society.” (Oreta, J.S.
Building. P. 71. For publication)
Interestingly, the communities do not equate the current armed groupings
of clans as a private armed group (PAG). Participants in FGDs and
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20 De Guzman, O. (2008). “Guns in southern Philippines.” PRI’s The World. Audio File.
Retrieved March 2008 from , cited in
Voices to Silence Guns.” 2008. Phil. Action Network on Small Arms Publication
21 Weak state here means the inability of authorities to enforce rules and laws impartially
and consistently