February 19, 2022, Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID), local government units and other partner agencies strengthen the Sulu cultural heritage through conducting orientation about historic martial arts among the youth of several barangays in Patikul, Sulu.
Last Saturday, the two-day Kuntao Silat crash course culminated with a routine demonstration which was witnessed by several prominent personalities to include 11ID Acting Division Commander BGen Antonio Bautista Jr, Sulu and North Borneo Sultan Meudzul-Lail Tan Kiram, Provincial Sulu Tourism Officer Mr Julkiram Arastam and Ministry of Public Order and Safety Director General Atty Al Rashid Balt.
The exhibition included 100 newly acquinted participants from ten selected barangays of Patikul: Brgy Pansul, Panglayahan, Langhub, Tugas, Maligay, Bungkaong, Latih, Buhanginan, Kabbon Takas and Bakong. According to Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, the event will not be possible if not for the efforts of Kuntao Silat Grandmaster Salip Musa and units under 1103rd Infantry Brigade led by BGen Benjamin Batara Jr.
“Napakaraming sumusuporta sa adhikaing ito, pati si governor. Nagawa na nati ito noong nakaraang taon at natutuwa ako na narito na naman tayo ngayon. Napakalaking tulong nito, hindi lamang sa disiplina ng mga indibidwal na tumatangkilik, kundi pati sa pagbangong muli ng ating nakalimutang tradisyon o kultura,” Mayor Kabir added.
In an interview, 23-yearold member of Silat-Kuntao Fighter (SKF), Aiman Aharajani, shared his experience on being a trainer to new students. “Masaya po na ngayon mas nakikilala na ang kuntao-silat, madami na rin po ang nai- engganyo. Anim na taon na rin simula nung sumali ako, napakalaking tulong ito sa mga kabataan upang depensehan ang kanilang sarili sa mga masasamang tao at isa rin itong magandang exercise.
For his part, BGen Bautista expressed his admiration towards the people and cultural heritage of Sulu. “I’ve seen a Kuntao Silat performance before, up to now, it does not fail to astound me. I am happy that I could say the same towards the character of Tausug people. Given that they’ve been caught in between decades of fighting, they are still resilient and incredibly empowered. That it is why the security sector could rely on them when it comes to initiatives for our peace campaign.”
11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army 