Kalinaw News: Military Celebrates Army Day on historic Mount Dahu in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2022): Military Celebrates Army Day on historic Mount Dahu in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu celebrated the 125th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary and the 116th Anniversary of the Battle of Bud Dahu on top of the historic Bud Dahu in Barangay Danag Patikul, Sulu on March 22, 2022.

As part of the celebration, troops from the 1101st Infantry Brigade and civilian guests trekked the rugged terrain leading to the peak of Bud Dahu.

In a statement, 1101 Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, who led the troops and the civilians in climbing the peak of Bud Dahu, said that “it is fulfilling to climb the historic mountain in Sulu as we celebrate the very day when the Philippine Army was organized by our forefathers with so much sacrifices and love to our country.”

In his speech, Brig. Gen. Boquio said that “while we celebrate our 125th PH Army anniversary, it is unknown to many that the Battle of Bud Dahu is probably one of the most gruesome events in our history where 600 Moros (Tausug), including innocent women and children, sacrificed fighting for freedom.”

21st Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Eddie Abolencia narrated that a total of 421 security forces and civilian participants trekked Mount Dahu. Among the civilian dignitaries who participated in the event is Mr. Julkiram Arastam, the Sulu provincial tourism officer. Mr. Arastam said that he is elated by his one of lifetime experience to climb the historic mountain of Sulu. “I’m grateful to our security forces and partner stakeholders for this opportunity to join the trek as we honor and pay tribute to our forefathers,” narrated by Mr. Arastam.

“We are all witnesses on how the security landscape in Sulu significantly improved. The Suluanons can now go and visit places, beaches, and other tourist spots they want without fear. As the tourism officer of Sulu and collaboration with other agencies, we will advertise Sulu as the best tourist destination in southern part of our country,” said Mr. Arastam.

Meanwhile, 11th Infantry Division and JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to the security forces and reassured his commitment in supporting the local tourism.

“The potential of Sulu to be the next best tourists’ destination is attainable. This momentous event is indicative of our united efforts and our love to our country,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“I therefore enjoin you to move in unison as we strive towards the goal of making the province of Sulu a place of lasting peace and sustainable development,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added.

The Battle of Bud Dahu is a battle between the Moro Tausugs and the United States Armed Forces on March 5 to 8, 1906, which resulted to the deaths of about 600 Moro (Tausug) individuals, including innocent women and children. Bud Dahu is the second highest point in the province of Sulu next to Bud Tumantangis: Sulu’s Crying Mountain.

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