AN EARLY Response Network (ERN) in Lanao del Sur was launched Thursday, building on the existing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) system to cover violent conflict situations and displacement. The ERN involves the local DRRM officers of the province’s 39 municipalities and the capital Marawi City, together with local rescue group SARACAN and with support from non-government peace-building organization International Alert (IA) Philippines. In a statement, IA Philippines said the network is intended to “secure real-time information that is needed to prevent, counter, and adapt to emergencies and coordinate with relevant political authorities at the local, provincial, and national level, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders.” Saripada Pacasum Jr. of the provincial DRRMO said during the ERN launch in Iligan City, “The Marawi siege has taught as that we should strengthen ourselves and evolve into more responsive disaster and conflict risk reduction management officers. We also need to create the rules and protocols for human-induced disasters, not just natural calamities.” The system monitors tensions and critical events “to prevent these from erupting into violent flashpoints.” Mr. Pacasum led some of his staff and SARACAN volunteers in helping the military during the rescue and recovery operations for civilians in Marawi. “Looking back, I know that we could have helped avert the war, saved more, and prevented the suffering of our people if we already had a system to pool and piece together relevant information on the ground,” he said. The ERN will use IA’s Critical Events Monitoring System, an SMS-based reporting system that captures violent conflict incidents and tensions in communities, and coordinates prompt multi-stakeholder response.

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