181 militiamen to complement Zambo peace advocacy drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): 181 militiamen to complement Zambo peace advocacy drive (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

PEACE ADVOCACY. Some 181 militiamen complete their 45-day training at the La Libertad Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit Training Center in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay province on Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2021). The 1st Infantry Division (ID) is deploying them to complement its peace advocacy campaign in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

A total of 181 new militiamen are set for deployment in different communities to complement the peace advocacy campaign of the 1st Infantry Division (ID) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, military officials said Wednesday.

The militiamen have just completed a 45-day training Tuesday afternoon facilitated by the 1ID Training School at the Libertad Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit Training Center in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“They underwent training to enhance their knowledge and skills as they play part in the peacekeeping missions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Col. Wendell Basat, Western Mindanao Command’s (Westmincom) civil-military operations chief, said in a statement Wednesday.

The 181 militiamen were reminded to apply the knowledge and skills they attained during the training in their respective areas of assignments and to maintain good attitudes.

“Since they have finished all the needed requirements, they are now adequately equipped with strategies and tactics to counter our enemies,” Basat said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., the Westmincom commander, said they are happy to welcome the 181 militiamen and have the new breed of force multipliers and peacekeepers.

“With them, we will be able to further our peace campaigns and accomplish our mission that is to sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Rosario said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162869