Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 4, 2022): 6th SF Company and Abu Sayyaf Returnees Construct Concrete Water Tank in Talipao, Sulu
4th Civil Relations Group
STRENGTH IN UNITY|| FLUSHING TERRORISM THROUGH DEVELOPMENT
This is how we flush out insurgency - literally, with water.
Special Forces Operators and CAFGUs from the 6TH Special Forces Company, along with ASG returnees and the local community, started the construction a 10,000L concrete watertank last March 23, 2022 in a former Abu Sayaff bailiwick at Sitio Banglot, Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu.
The area, previously infested by ASG bandits, has been liberated by the SF Operators after months of Mass Base Operations (MBO).
Currently, activities in the community forms part of 2SFBn's Community Support Program (CSP).
In partnership with the 6TH Special Forces Company, 2ND Special Forces Battalion, Mrs Mary Joy E. Bustamante of MJB Cares Foundation donated P30,000.00 for the project.
Counterpart waterhoses were provided by Talipao MTF ELAC while Sulu MSSD enrolled the workers under their Food-For-Work Program.
Among those constructing the watertank are ASG Returnees.
"This is the change we are looking for. Through this watertank, we can properly cleanse ourselves before praying. We can also plant vegetables since water will now be available", cites @Mawang in their local Tausug dialect. @Mawang is an ASG Returnee from the community.
Before praying, Muslims perform Wudu, a ceremony which includes the washing of hands, face and their feet. The availability of water will strengthen this religious practice.
Aside from having positive impact on health and sanitation, the watertank also intends to effectively manage water supply to the eleven (11) sitios of Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu. This, in turn, will expand socio-economic opportunities, such as vegetable farming, due to the availability of sustainable and reliable water flow.
The last concrete watertank catering to the Barangay was cosntructed during the 1970's. The Marcos' Era 500L catchment tank manages the water supply at what locals refer to as "Tubig Dakula" - also an terrain frequented by ASGs until the area was dominated by government forces.
"This developmental approach to conflict is necessary as part of building a resilient community to deter violent extremism" notes Captain Ron Villarosa, Commanding Officer of the 6TH Special Forces Company.
Under the baston of JTF Sulu, military units in the province has intensified development efforts through the Community Support Program (CSP).
"To effectively execute PCVE programs, we must come down to the structural causes of conflict - oftentimes, these dwell on socio-economic factors. These factors do not require a military solution, but rather, a whole-of-nation approach - an approach that will directly resolve the identified issues," he adds.
These efforts are conducted through the direction of the 2ND Special Forces Battalion, under the operational control of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.
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More than just fighting the enemy, we are here to build communities.
We are here for the Filipino People.
This is your Armed Forces.
This is your Special Forces.
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