Members of the AFP, PNP, and MILF pose before the start of the Kambollayoka friendship game on Thursday, December 14 at 6ID Gymnasium, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Comenei Ali/BIO)
MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE— Men in uniform of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) once again engaged in a ‘fight’ but this time, on a basketball court.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, around 50 participants showcased their exceptional skills in shooting the ball and guarding their court while maintaining a peaceful battle. Dubbed ‘Kamabollayoka’, the game aims to strengthen the relationship between the Government of the Philippines and MILF personnel, and publicly demonstrate the camaraderie and commitment to peace in the community.
Aliah Adam, Director of Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB), explained that Kambollayoka is a term derived from the Maguindanao and Maranao dialects. Kambolla translates to “playing ball game” in both dialects, while bollayok is a Maranao term referring to “friendship” or “building friendship”.
SCCB is one of the implementing partners of the project.
According to United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Senior Expert Dr. Haroro Ingram, the game’s conceptualization began following a conversation in 2022 between Commander Billy Dela Rosa of the Philippine Army (PA) and Member of Parliament (MP) Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo, where the former wants to explore ways on using basketball in building friendship among security sectors in Lanao del Sur.
As it prospered into a full-blown project, it was first piloted in the province of Lanao del Sur, and due to its undeniable success, they brought it here in Maguindanao. Ingram said they intend to expand the idea all over the region.
“Our intention is to take this initiative all over the Bangsamoro region,” Ingram said.
Unlike the usual friendship game, the mechanics of Kambollayoka are different. Rather than forming teams with players from the same circle of friends, office, or place, players in this project are mixed with others from different groups to create diverse teams.
For example, a player from PNP is paired with players from AFP and the MILF. In this case, players find themselves playing against colleagues from their own agency while working with teammates whom they barely know.
In an exclusive interview before the game, PNP Patrolman Regie Balicas expressed amazement about the unique concept of the game and praised the initiative.
“I don’t know who will be my teammate, I don’t know them by name and haven’t played with them but I’m excited for the game as it could foster a renewed sense of friendship and camaraderie,” Balicas said.
Support for the initiative was evident from various officials, including
Member of the Parliament (MP) Suwaib Oranon, who is also a top MILF commander. He said that his fellow MPs known as “Miracle Five”, composed of Mohammad Kelie Antao, Tawakal Midtimbang, Bassir Utto, and Mudjib Abu, are also supporting the cause.
“Today, we are here to gather not just as spectators, but as witnesses to a unique event that transcends uniforms and badges,” Oranon said.
Aside from his support, Oranon also desired that the game will not only showcase the basketball skills of the players but also the strengths that come from standing together both on and off the court.
On the military side, Brigadier General Nasser Lidasan of the 6th Infantry Division, also committed to supporting the cause.
“Certainly, this activity is as significant with all our peace-related efforts because we have the same objective in mind: to foster solidarity, and build rapport,” Lidasan said.
Other officials who showed support for the project were PCol Querubin Manalang represented by PLTCOL Carmelo Mungkas of the Cotabato City Police, PCPT Karl Jerome Tingala and PCPT Danny Binnang both from 42 Special Action Company 4 Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF). (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
