People who continue to vilify the police and their elected public officials over the crimes happening in their own locality could learn a thing or two from the people of Apo Island off the coast of Dauin, Negros Oriental.
The island-barangay of over 600 inhabitants, which usually has no policemen, have taken it upon themselves to guard their island from suspicious individuals.
Last week, the people of Apo Island, led by barangay captain Liberty Pascobello-Rhodes, expelled a fishing boat from Dipolog City which came to the Island under suspicious circumstances. The boat crew claimed they were there to buy scrap metal but could not present any papers, even to prove the legitimacy of their vessel.
The visit of the suspicious fishing boat came in the wake of an ongoing offensive by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against terrorist bandits in Mindanao.
The people of Apo told the suspicious people to leave the Island, and they took turns watching the shores at night to ensure they would not return.
The example of the Apo islanders in securing their own community is indeed commendable, and should be an inspiration to most of us who live in a bigger island, and who even have access to more peace-keeping resources.
We hope more barangays will learn from the people of Apo Island.