Army peace emissaries allay fear of conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 27, 2019): Army peace emissaries allay fear of conflict

A peace dialogue was initiated by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 6th Civil Military Operation Battalion with Datu Item Ampatuan, 106th Base Commander of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, February 18.

The event which happened in Barangay Dimampao, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao was orchestrated after fake news and rumors came out that the military will attack the MILF community in the area. This resulted in massive evacuation.

After knowing that fake news, 6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Cirilito Sobejana immediately instructed Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 6th CMO Battalion through Major Aslim Ulangkaya to talk with the MILF ground commanders, local community, and the religious leaders.

“We have similar objectives, which is the peace and progress for our people,” said the emissaries of Major General Sobejana.

On the other hand, the community agreed to the establishment of military patrol base in the area as part of the community deterrence against any threat groups.

Meanwhile, Major General Sobejana expressed gratitude to the community of Datu Abdullah Sangki town for their cooperation to end the dialogue with a positive result.

“In war, we cannot get enough, but in talking, we can get more than we expect and we are here in full support and cooperation with all your noble intentions and undertakings,” he emphasized. (DPAO, 6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1018993