Violent Extremism: Work Stories of Women Police Officers in a Mobile Force Company in Eastern Philippines

Abstract

This study delved into the work experiences of women police officers assigned in mobile force companies in the entirety of Samar. Criticized for its underperforming economy due to insurgent threats, this district provided a backdrop for exploring the role of women police officers in counter-insurgency programs. The research employed a phenomenological, qualitative approach to uncover deeper insights.This study used phenomenological research design. Ten (10) women police officers from various areas in Samar, including Allen, Pambujan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Dolores and Quinapondan were chosen as informants. These officers, with a minimum of two years of experience, were selected from the Samar provincial police records.Interviews were conducted and recorded using a smartphone application, ensuring detailed and accurate transcriptions. Most responses were in English, with a small portion in the local dialect, which was translated for clarity.The study identified nine emergent themes: Community Engagement and Trust, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Community Resilience and Peacebuilding, Mental Health and Resilience, Gender Dynamics and Cultural Sensitivity, Operational Challenges and Adaptation, Personal Growth, Professional Development and Strategic and Tactical Innovation and Women's Leadership and Empowerment . These themes highlighted the importance of of the role of women police officers between the police and community, acknowledged the risks in implementing counter-insurgency programs, and noted the challenges of funding and aligning with government initiatives. The officers expressed continuous effort and aspiration in their roles, emphasizing the need for recognition in the role of women police officers.