BARMM holds joint simulation exercise for BIAF, Military

Cotabato City (August 16, 2020) – Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) is holding a 2-day Joint Simulation Exercise and Incident Command System for the senior commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and of the 6th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

MILG’s Bangsamoro READI (Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence) organized the said activity from August 15-16, held at the military’s Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Dubbed as “Sindaw nu Kalilintad”, it is the region’s first of its kind activity designed to convene in one gathering the members and officers of Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s BIAF and 6th Infantry Division (6ID) of the Philippine Army.

The activity provides capacity-building on emergency response through the Executive Course on Incident Management, and to forge a climate of cooperation and camaraderie between the former opposing forces, who are now partners in peace building and development in the BARMM.

During the activity’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, who represented Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim, emphasized in his speech the importance of peace-building amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our presence today is solid proof that all of us can be instruments or light bearers of peace especially in a time when the people clamour for hope and in dire need for motivation to rise up from a challenging period such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” Macacua said.

“The holding of Sindaw nu Kalilintad is our bare minimum in promoting peace during this difficult time but we will strive to continue our efforts to the best of our capacity,” he added.

Meanwhile, MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, also head of the Bangsamoro READI, provided the context of Sindaw nu Kalilintad, stressing the importance of a Joint Simulation Exercise between the MILF-BIAF and the AFP’s 6th ID.

“This is an opportunity for both organizations not only to effectively discuss ways and means in managing disasters and emergency incidence in BARMM but also an opportunity to work together to defeat the pandemic and build enduring peace in the region and in the country,” Sinraimbo said.

“Sindaw nu Kalilintad is the Bangsamoro Government’s another way of expressing our sincere intention to put an end to the decade-long conflict that is wreaking havoc in our land whilst capacitating our people in disaster and emergency management,” he added.

Leading the delegation for the Philippine Army and guest speaker during Wednesday’s ceremony was 6th ID Commander Major General Diosdado Carreon, PA. He was joined by 27 Brigade and Battalion officials and representatives under the 6th ID.

The MILF-BIAF also welcomed the intention of the Bangsamoro Government by sending 20 of their top-calibre and experienced Base Commanders and leaders to represent their organization. (Bureau of Public Information)