Military, PTF-ELAC Launch Road to Tourism Program in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – June 29, 2022

Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division witnessed the convergence of efforts program collaborated by the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC), security sectors and partner agencies dubbed as “Road to Tourism” held at Tandu Beach in Parang, Sulu on June 28, 2022.

During his message, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio emphasized that the road to tourism program is a process of achieving lasting peace and maintaining it is not solely a military centric solution but a shared responsibility. Further, lauded the collaboration of efforts of the local government unit (LGU), security sectors and partner agencies that brought the relative peace Sulu has today.

Moreso, Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade narrated that the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of JTF Sulu led by Lt. Col. Benito Ramos in collaboration with Municipal TF-ELAC of Parang orchestrated the program intended for the sustainment of support to ASG returnees and at the same time promoting local tourism in Sulu.

Through the PTF-ELAC, 30 ASG returnees present during the program received additional support such as sacks of rice and various grocery items. The same sustainment support will be given to 150 ASG returnees in Parang that surrendered since 2017.

In a testimony, a.k.a Daro, a former ASG member who surrendered on 2018 shared his life changing story, a life when he was with the armed group, always on the run, often experienced starvation and longed for his family and to his peaceful life today from his decision of returning to the fold of the law. In his reintegration to the mainstream of society, he further extended gratitude to the military and the LGU for the support and the chance to be with his love one.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Madzhar T. Loong, co-member of MTF-ELAC of Parang reminisced the past situation in their municipality when the community hoped for peace and order due to rampant proliferation of lawlessness and compared how it drastically changed through the genuine partnership of the local government and security sectors that made the security situation in Sulu improved.

The program concluded with a peace covenant signing of the LGU, security sectors, partner agencies and ASG returnees to show their commitment of support to peace and development for the province of Sulu.

Since 2017, a total of 896 ASG members had voluntarily surrendered to JTF Sulu and many of which had already received Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) of the LGU’s and subsequently will undergo the process of availing Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

📷 Photo by: Pvt Nikko Romeo Celamor

Military Partners Academe for Peace Advocacy

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – June 27, 2022

Mindanao State University (MSU) – Sulu Filipino Club in collaboration with Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu initiated Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) activity and expository trip in Sinumaan Complex, Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu on June 26, 2022.

The Commander of JTF Sulu Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio lauded the efforts of 2nd Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Benito Ramos together with his troops for orchestrating a significant event. Further, highlighting that the activity is part of insulating the youth from the deceptive narratives of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG); while promoting the area for local tourism and removing the stigma of fear in places where government forces and the terrorist group used to clash.

According to 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, the developmental tour was benefitted by 80 faculty members and college students of MSU-Sulu. The tour into conflict areas that was recently liberated from ASG influence lasted for two (2) hours.

Moreso, troops of 6th Special Forces Company of 2nd Special Forces Battalion, as part of the tour, presented a lecture to the delegates of MSU and its students on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism; educating them on how terrorist organizations exploits the vulnerabilities of youth in their recruitment schemes.

In an interview, Mr. Monamier Ompil a graduating student from MSU-Sulu shared his thoughts on how the improvements of peace and security in the province. He recalled that parents used to discourage their children from visiting other places such as the Mount Sinumaan area. But now, they get to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Sulu has to offer.

The highlight of the activity were the expository tour in the newly opened Sinumaan road network that cuts through former ASG bailiwick. The trip enters the Sinumaan complex, showcasing the on-going developmental projects, going Barangays Bud Bunga and Lower Sinumaan.

Since November last year, the JTF Sulu spearheaded the Community Support Program, a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines designating the troops of 2nd Special Forces Battalion to conduct Mass Base Operations in Upper Sinumaan. It is one of the peculiar capabilities conducted by Special Forces Operators to deny enemy presence in targeted area to enable an environment conducive to peace and development.

Two notorious ASG members yield to military in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo,Sulu – June 17, 2022

Two (2) notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader voluntarily surrendered to Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division at its headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on June 17, 2022.

According to JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, the ASG sub-leader was identified as a.k.a. Mujer Yadah, 55 years old and ASG sub-leader a.k.a. Ben Tatto, 41 years old both under ASG –Indanan kidnap-for-ransom group senior leader a.k.a Apo Mike.

“The ASG returnees also brought with them two (2) M16 rifle”, said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

During the interview, a.k.a Mujer had been with the group of ASG senior leader Apo Mike since 2002 and was involved in a kidnap-for-ransom group, bombing and beheading of foreign nation and local kidnap victims. After the death of their leader, they were always on the run, has no place to hide, exhausted and often experienced starvation. He also revealed that they no longer have the support of the community which prompted them to go back to the folds of the law.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr. credited that, ” the voluntary surrender of the ASG members was through the concerted efforts of 32nd Infantry Battalion, 6th Special Forces Battalion, 45th Infantry Battalion, the police counterpart of Sulu Provincial Police Office, 7th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force and Regional Intelligence Unit -9, ” said Brig. Gen. Batara.

Moreso, Police Col. Jaime Mojica, Provincial Director in Sulu narrated that the ASG members had been served with several warrant of arrrest for kidnapping for ransom (KFR) with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“As the military formally handed the ASG retrunees to us, they will properly undergo legal process”, said PCol Mojica.

In a closing statement, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded the convergence of efforts that brought the ASG members back to the fold of the law.

“This is indicative of our successful peace and security campaign in Sulu. The decision of the ASG returnees will contribute to induce more ASG members who has standing warrants to return to the fold of the law who are in doubt to surrender,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“This is now the right time for you to lay down your arms, avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and live peacefully”, Maj. Gen. Pateimonio concluded.

Since January this year, a total of 67 ASG members voluntarily surrendered to JTF Sulu bringing along with them 35 high-powered firearms and 9 low-powered firearms.

Military, PTF-ELAC orchestrate “Barangayanihan” for Peace in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – June 10, 2022

11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division in collaboration with Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talipao, Sulu and Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) orchestrated an all-in-one services caravan dubbed as “Barangayanihan” for peace held in Barangay Kagay Elementary School, Talipao, Sulu on June 09, 2022 for the recipient community in the four (4) target barangays of the Community Support Program (CSP).

According to Commander of 1101st Infantry Brigade Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, Barangay Kagay, Barangay Upper Kamuntayan, Barangay Lumbayao and Barangay Lumping pigih daho in Talipao were part of the Community Support Program (CSP) efforts designated to 21st Infantry Battalion led by Lt.Col. Eddie Abolencia that commenced last November 2021.

“Aside from identifying the issues in the community as part of CSP, the Caravan was intended to provide their needs to ensure that efforts are sustained and peace is continuously promoted”, said Brig. Gen. Boquio.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of 11th Infatry Division sent his regards and lauded the convergence of efforts and unwavering support of the local government of Talipao, PT-ELAC and partner agencies in bringing the government services closer to the people.

“The sustained efforts in CSP had capitalized Executive Order number 70 or the “Whole-of-Nation-Approach” which made the “Barangayanihan” possible and debunked the deceptive narratives of violent extremism in the community,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

Meanwhile, the Vice Mayor of Talipao and co-member of Municipal TF-ELAC Hon. Zulficar Tulawie extended his profound gratitude for the convergence of efforts of the Military, PTF-ELAC and partner agencies that made the program successful. He also emphasized how blessed the residents are for being there to receive the combined services from the government, and thanked the community for being present as well.

The government services offered and supported to the recipient barangays were COVID-19 vaccination services, medical and dental services, registration of live birth and social protection services, technical services for NC2 training, feeding program, health consultations and free medicines, distribution of agricultural inputs and services including giving of gardening equipments.

Moreso, the Barangay Chairpersons of the recipient barangays expressed their heartfelt gratitude for bringing the government services closer to their community.

The Barangayan is a term that means every community will be considered while bayanihan is a term used for giving unconditional support. The words put together as Barangayanihan meant for greater people participation helping each other for one common goal – achieving inclusive peace and sustainable development for the province of Sulu.

📷 Photo by: Pfc Macky Baoc

AFPyoucanTRUST

Alakdan Division acquires new mobility assets, increases operational readiness

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – June 9, 2022

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu formally launches the second batch of newly-acquired vehicles issued by the Headquarters Philippine Army in a blessing rite officiated by Reverend Father Randy Arca at its headquarters during the flag raising ceremony in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on June 6, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion and JTF Sulu, said “The newly-acquired vehicles is composed of nine (9) units Medium Carrier 2 ½ Ton Dong Feng Truck; Two (2) units Field Ambulance, Sinotruk AS-91; One (1) unit Dental Bus; Four (4) units light carrier 1 ¼ Ton Dong Feng SS-89 Truck; Two (2) units Van Ambulance; Hi-Ace Commuter Deluxe; Nine (9) units Mitsubishi Strada 4×4 AT Pick-up; Two (2) units Mitsubishi Montero 4×4 MT; and, Five (5) units Kawasaki Bajaj 150 cc motorcycle.”

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio also said that the vehicles will be issued to subordinate units and offices to enhance the unit’s capability. “The fleet of newly-acquired vehicles will increase our operational readiness and boost our moving capability.”

“Let us therefore take good care of our mobility assets and treat it as if it is our own personal vehicle. Maintaining it with utmost care will prolong the utilization of this issued vehicles,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added.

The Army modernization program entails the development and employment of certain capabilities that can address the assessed threats and increase operational readiness to address the gaps complementing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ mandated task. It provides the acquisition of Air Force, Navy and Army equipment and material of such types and quantities shall be made in accordance with the need to develop AFP capabilities.

📷 Photo by: Pfc Macky Baoc and Pvt Alaurin Pablo

459 newly-trained soldiers join anti-terror campaign

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – June 9, 2022

Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, officiated the graduation of 459 candidate soldiers at the 11th Division “Mastal” Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu on June 6, 2022.

According to Maj. Gen. Patrimonio, the 459 newly-trained soldiers belong to Candidate Soldiers Course Classes 680, 681, and 682, and were trained for 6 months in basic soldiery and warfighting by the 11th Division Training School (11DTS).

Alakdan Division Training School Commandant Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero said “the 459 is composed of 418 male and 41 female soldiers. These batches have 48 Tausug soldiers.”

Col. Doctolero furthered that the newly-graduates will immediately undergo the Infantry Orientation Course (InfOC) to better prepare them in their future task in the infantry units of the Alakdan Division.

Graduating at the top of their class are Cadidate Soldier Vergil Tilib of Class 680; Cadidate Soldier Crisalnel Omboy of Class 681; and Candidate Soldier Diosdado Taconing of Class 682. CS Rafael Tomaquin received the Physical Proficiency Award for getting the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test of Class 680; CS Crisalnel Omboy and CS Arnie Tañan respectively.

In his speech, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio congratulated the graduating candidate soldiers of their sacrifices and perseverance in surpassing the training. He also urged the new graduates to value their sacrifices and always serve the Filipino people with utmost professionalism.

“Your training prepared you as professional soldiers ready to perform various tasks both in peace time and war time under extreme conditions. For the next few days, you will be deployed in your respective units and be part of our peace and security campaign. As public servants, we expect a disciplined, dedicated, and passionate soldiers. I urge you to be the the best soldier the Alakdan Training School have produced,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

Among the senior military officials who witness the ceremony were 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, 1102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Giovanni Franza, and 1103rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr.

MNLF reassures commitment to support anti-terrorism campaign in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – June 7, 2022

Sulu-based Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Commander Abraham Joel had a courtesy visit on Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division at its headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, on June 4, 2022.

Executive session with Commander Joel and Maj. Gen. Patrimonio at 11ID headquarters on June 4, 2022.

Commander Joel expressed his gratitude to Maj. Gen. Patrimonio and to the men and women of Alakdan Division for the warm welcome accorded to him, saying, “Ito ang pangalawa kong pagkakataon na bumisita dito sa Camp Bautista pero ito ang una kong pagkakataon na mabigyan ng ganitong mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga kapatid na sundalo.”

During the visit of Commander Abraham Joel (left) and he was received by Maj. Gen. Patrimonio (right) at Headquarters JTF Sulu on June 4, 2022.

In the said meeting, the MNLF officials and security sector reassured to support each other to end Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorism. Commander Joel said, “Kasama ko ang aking mga field commanders upang personal na makipagkita kay Maj. Gen. Patrimonio na itinuturing namin na aming kapatid upang ipahayag ang aming suporta sa kanya lalo na sa pakikipaglaban sa mga Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.”

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio discuss with Commander Joel about the MNLF profiling and verification on June 4, 2022.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his gratitude to Commander Joel for taking time in visiting the Alakdan Division particularly of the assurance to support the peace and development campaign to end terrorism in Sulu.

Meeting with MNLF officials and military at Headquarters JTF Sulu on June 4, 2022.

“It is assuring to know that we have come into understanding on our one purpose and one mission to totally end terrorism in the province of Sulu,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“Let us continue to collaborate in attaining our collective vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in Sulu,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio hand over a token to MNLF Commander Joel on June 4, 2022.

During their visit, Commander Joel was accompanied by Chief of White Lion Command Hji Jul Ajani, Coordinator Chairman Amilhamja Hadjiri, Coordinator Vice-chairman Cmdr. Bala Badda, Chief of SulTaP Command Cmdr. Al Abdurahman, Deputy Chief of Whitelion Command Cmdr. Bahid Pawaki, Vice-chairman of State of Sulu Saikal Madjuri, Chief of Satcom 5 Ustad Gabir Abbas, Chief of Samidin Command Hji Salih Muhamad, Camp Cmdr of Camp Macopa Indanan Akmadul Totoh and other MNLF coordinators.

Photo opportunity with MNLF personnel and JTF Sulu officials.

JTF Sulu holds Joint Training Exercise

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – June 01, 2022

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu with its Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Forces (PAF), and Philippine Navy (PN) components conducted a Joint Training Exercise (JTX) dubbed as “Lupah Sug 03-2022” in the island municipality of Siasi, Sulu on May 29, 2022.

According to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and JTF Sulu, said, “the JTX enhances teamwork. Through JTX, we were able to hone our basic core competency of warfighting and it strengthened our camaraderie as we perform our respective duties and responsibilities.”

Air Force personnel giving free hair cut for residents of Municipality of Siasi, Sulu during the Medical Civic Action Program on May 29, 2022.

“More than 500 troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force participated in the JTX utilizing the modern air, naval, and ground assets of the AFP. We were able to improve the inter-operability of our units, and we were able to enhance our systems and processes in responding to different battlefield scenarios,” added by Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

Troops from 101st Infantry Battalion provides indirect fire support during the Joint Interdiction Operation.

JTF Sulu Training and Education Officer Col. Gerald Monfort narrated, “the JTX this year have some innovations wherein we included a Civic and Humanitarian Action (CHA) activity to provide basic services to the local populace such as free medical check-up, free circumcision, haircut, and medicines, and a total of 130 residents benefited from the program.”

Troops of 4th Marine Brigade clears the area after the Beachhead Landing.

Meanwhile, during the closing ceremony, Municipality of Siasi Mayor Ben-Sayeed Muksan extended his gratitude to the JTF Sulu for choosing the Siasi municipality as the site for the JTX. Mayor Muksan also thanked the military of their efforts in making Sulu a peaceful province.

Closing Ceremony of Joint Training Exercise and Medical Civic Action Program grace by Hon. Ben-Sayeed Muksan, Municipality of Siasi, Sulu; Col. Christopher Tampus, Chief of Joint Staff, JTF Sulu; Naval Task Group Sulu (NTGS) and 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) led by Lt. Cmdr. Jay Mendoza; Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Commandant, Division Training School; Col Gregorio Nieveras, Division Inspector General; Lt. Col. Michael Maquillan, Commanding Officer, 101st Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Vincent Michael Mallari, Group Commander, Tactictal Operations Group Sulu Tawi-Tawi (TOG SULTAW) and other senior officers.

“Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kasundaluhan sa inyong walang sawang suporta at pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan at kapayapaan ditto sa aming probinsya.” Hon. Muksan said

“Sa aking mga kababayan, wala kayong dapat ikabahala sapagkat ang ating probinsiya ay masasabi kong ligtas at mapayapa. Sa mga nais mamasyal, maayos, at mapayapa na po ang aming probinsya at bukod sa mababait ang mga tao, marami din pong mga pasyalan ditto,” Hon. Muksan added.

Municipality of Siasi, Mayor Ben-Sayeed delivers his message during the closing ceremony of the Joint Training Exercise and Medical Civic Action Program.

The event was graced by Col. Christopher Tampus, Chief of Joint Staff, JTF Sulu; Naval Task Group Sulu (NTGS) and 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) led by Lt. Cmdr. Jay Mendoza; Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Commandant, Division Training School; Col Gregorio Nieveras, Division Inspector General; Lt. Col. Michael Maquillan, Commanding Officer, 101st Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Vincent Michael Mallari, Group Commander, Tactictal Operations Group Sulu Tawi-Tawi (TOG SULTAW) and other senior officers.

Photo opportunity during the closing ceremony of Joint Training Exercise and Medical Civic Action Program in the Municipality of Siasi, Sulu on May 29, 2022.

Troops of Naval Task Group Sulu, conducts Maritime Interdiction Operation during the Joint Training Exercise.

Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his gratitude to the troops and partner stakeholders who actively participated saying, “We are all part of the team with one vision of bringing lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu. The JTX does not only hone our war fighting capabilities, but also a medium to make our bond stronger, work each other with trust, and perform our individual duties and responsibilities with high degree of confidence,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

JBDAF concludes 3-Day Joint Verification Team (JVeT) Training

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – June 01, 2022

The conduct of a 3-Day Joint Verification Team (JVeT) Training formally ended on May 29, 2022 at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu in Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio PA, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and JTF Sulu, said, “The JVeT is composed of members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) tasked to undertake the verification of the MNLF combatants in line with the MNLF Transformation Program of our government.”

Col Noel Buncab delivering his message during the closing ceremony of Joint Verification Team (JVeT) Training on May 29, 2022.

“Under the supervision of the Joint Body on the Disposition of Arms and Forces (JBDAF), the verification intends to confirm the status of the MNLF members and to identify the needs as well as responds to the concerns of our MNLF brothers and sisters,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

Col. Noel Buncab, member of the Secretariat of the JBDAF, narrated, “the JVeT Training prepares the members of the team in the execution of their duties and responsibilities during the verification of MNLF combatants.”

Col. Delos Santos during the Closing Ceremony of Joint Verification Team (JVeT) Training on May 29, 2022.

Col. Buncab added, “under the supervision of 11ID Training Team, the JVeTs undergone series of lectures, simulations, and exercises to ensure the success of the verification I am confident because each member of the JVeT now knows how to perform their respective duties and responsibilities.”

Col. Noel Buncab giving of certificates to the participants of JVeT on May 29, 2022.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his gratitude to the Office of the Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) for the peace initiatives and programs for the MNLF combatants in Sulu as well as to the 11ID training team of their sacrifices in training the JVeTs. He also thanked the MNLF leaderships of their support and commitment of being part of the JVeT.

Photo opportunity with Col. Buncab, Col. Delos Santos, JBDAF personnel together with MNLF profiler.

“With our newly-trained JVeTs now, we are confident that we can provide the necessary support to the MNLF Transformation Program,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio said.

“You can be rest assured that the Alakdan Division is in full support of the government’s peace-building programs that will benefit the MNLF combatants and their communities. Let’s continue to work towards our common vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in Sulu,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

MinDa, BARMM strenghten partnership with military in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – May 26, 2022

Sec. Maria Belen Acosta of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and officials of the Bangsamoro Administrative Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) led by Minister Dickson Hermoso of Ministry of Transformation and Communication (MOTC) visited the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu to pay a courtesy visit on Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio PA, Commander of the JTF Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, at its headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu on May 26, 2022.

Sec. Acosta and her party was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Patrimonio, and was provided with an information and security briefing by JTF Sulu Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos.

In a statement, Sec. Acosta said, “We are here to collaborate and strengthen our partnership with the security sector particularly on how are we going to support their peace, security, and development efforts that will bring about accelerated socio-economic development in Sulu.”

“We have seen the significant improvement in the security environment of Sulu and its many potential places that we can harness. I congratulate the efforts of our security sector and partner stakeholders of their support in uplifting the welfare of the community and looking after the well-being of the locals through the Balik-Barangay Program,” said Sec. Acosta as she expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome given to them.

During the open forum, Sec. Acosta also assured the full support of MinDA and the BARMM saying, “We have representatives from BARMM that can immediately respond to all your concerns specifically in sustaining the gains of our peace and development efforts. Our enhanced partnership will definitely steer us of our common vision towards lasting peace and developemnt,” added Sec. Acosta.

Minister Hermoso also narrated, “Our mandate is to move people and goods. Our visit also intends to assess the potential for growth particularly on the enhancement and development of the seaports, airports, internet connectivity, and prospective tourist sites.”

During the meeting 1103rd Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Taharuddin Ampatuan, discussed the progress and initiatives being undertaken to the Balik-Barangay Program of the province of Sulu, underscoring the current and future efforts in developing the communities under the Balik-Barangay Program.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to Sec. Acosta and other BARMM representatives, “The commitment of support by MinDA and BARMM will definitely improve our efforts of bringing lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu. Let us continue to work together to sustain the peace and stability in the province of Sulu,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.

During the visit, Sec. Acosta was also accompanied by Minister of Social Services and Development Engr. Salam Abo; Deputy Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Atty. Sukarno Abas; Director General of Science and Technology Engr. Abdulrakma Asim; Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Pendatun Patarasan; Minister of Bangsamoro Transition Authority Eddie Mapay Alih; and, Coast Guard Capt. Rejard Marfe.

MinDA serves as Mindanao’s lead agency in coordinating and integrating development efforts that would bring about the accelerated socio-economic development of Mindanao.