Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: Kalinaw News: Miltary strengthens collaboration with “peace-inclined group” in Mindanao

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Kalinaw News: Miltary strengthens collaboration with “peace-inclined group” in Mindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 26, 2022): Miltary strengthens collaboration with “peace-inclined group” in Mindanao

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – March 26, 2022 Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio PA, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry Division, PA, accompanies Lt. Gen. Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr. PA, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), in a meeting with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari in the latters residence in Davao City on March 25, 2022.

In a fruitful discussion, Chairman Misuari reassured the military of the MNLF’s support to the government’s peace initiatives and programs specifically on the MNLF Transformation Roadmap that is being spearheaded by Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).

Chairman Misuari also expressed his gratitude to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Rosario Jr. and his party for taking time to personally visit him in Davao City.

“I am elated of your efforts of going here in Davao City to meet with me. The AFP and the MNLF have a good working relationship that is anchored on the 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement as manifested by the continuing partnership and collaboration in bringing lasting peace, security, and development in Mindanao,” said MNLF Chairman Misuari.

Chairman Misuari added saying, “as the head of the MNLF, you can be rest assured of our continuing support to all future undertakings of mutual interest for lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao.”

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio extended his sincere gratitude to Chairman Misuari of his reassured commitment in supporting the peace initiatives and programs of the government, specifically the MNLF Transformation Roadmap that is currently being undertaken in Sulu.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio said, “This is now my third time to personally meet Chairman Misuari. When I was the brigade commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade in Sulu in 2020, I met with Chairman Misuari twice, and assisted us in our efforts to drive away the terrorists Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) roaming near the MNLF communities in Indanan, Sulu.”

“We are here to solidify our partnerships with MNLF Chairman Misuari to help us implement the MNLF Transformation Program intended for the remaining MNLF combatants in Sulu,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“Through the support of Chairman Misuari coupled with the successful implementation of the MNLF Transformation Roadmap, your security forces are optimistic that the province of Sulu will experience a lasting peace that is conducive for sustainable development, ” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added.

In the said meeting, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Rosario Jr. was accompanied by former WestMinCom Commander retired Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, Col. Jose Emmanuel Mariano, Col. Montano Almodovar, Col. Yasser Bara, Col. Wendel Basat, Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos and Lt. Col. Saupi Jalkanain.

Currently, the OPAPP, in partnership with the JTF Sulu and partner agencies, is finalizing the implementing rules and regulations for the MNLF Transformation Roadmap.

The MNLF Transformation Roadmap includes all the government’s initiatives, projects, and other developmental activities such as socio-economic, community healing and reconciliation, and security and confidence-building measures that would be implemented in the identified MNLF communities.