COTABATO CITY—Joint Task Force (JTF-Sulu) BGen. Ignatius Patrimonio of 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) met with BARMM key officials on Oct. 13, at the Bangsamoro Government Center in this city to tackle the peace and security situation in the island province of Sulu.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim acknowledged JTF Sulu’s contribution in sustaining the gains of the peace process, saying, “the joint normalization initiatives of the Philippine Government and the Bangsamoro Government are making significant progress and accomplishment as we continue to fight for autonomy and decent governance.”
“We thank the contribution of JTF Sulu for their assistance in making this a reality,” Ebrahim expressed.
The Chief Minister reassured that the briefing, presentation, and consultations will contribute to both party’s shared efforts and concerns as they work together to combat terrorism and maintain peace and development in the province of Sulu.
“I hope that this visit will give rise to more meaningful and humble endeavors during my leadership […] I express my commitment to work together and the Government of the Day to support your future initiatives in the name of peace, reconciliation, and development,” Ebrahim added.
Meanwhile, BGen. Patrimonio stressed the significance of cooperation and support of the local government unit, and stakeholders, and the Government of the Day’s interventions.
“This network is a manifestation that there is no problem in the team that can’t be solved if we work together towards peace and development. Military operations alone are not the only solution but the responsive partnerships with communities, LGUs, and security sectors is indeed the solution to the long issue of terrorism,” said Patrimonio.
The Task Force head also shared that Sulu’s security landscape is now considered at a ‘manageable level’ as manifested by the diminished level of atrocities due to the decreasing number of Abu Sayyaf Group who surrendered along with their firearms.
Patrimonio vowed that Task Force-Sulu and the BARMM will work hand in hand towards sustaining the peace and bringing significant developments, saying, “what the people need is the utmost support from this government under the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim”.
During the meeting, ministers and heads of office in attendance were Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, Interior and Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Agriculture Minister Mohmmad Yacob, and Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) Project Manager Dr. Tomanda Antok, among others. (Majid Nur/BIO)
