Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): LOOK//Troops Inter-Faith Leaders, Youth Groups Provide Free Iftar to Mosque Previously Dominated by Abu Sayyaf Bandits
4th Civil Relations Group
LOOK|| TROOPS, INTER-FAITH LEADERS, YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES FREE IFTAR TO MOSQUE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY ABU SAYAFF BANDITS
Youth and inter-faith leaders, along with Special Forces Operators, provided free Iftar (meals to break the fast) to 120 mosque-goers of Masjid Maas in Upper Sinumaan Talipao, Sulu last Friday, April 15, 2022.
Interfaith leaders from the Adventist-Muslim Relations (AMR) Group based in Jolo, Sulu, in collaboration with The Youth Leaders of Sulu Towards Peace and Development (YLS-TPD), Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Talipao and Operators from the 6TH Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion, conducted the activity to promote and strengthen inter-faith ties between different religious groups. The Moro Youth Catalyst Association (MYCA) also facilitated the event.
Among those benefitting are dependents of ASG Returnees.
Until November last year, Masjid Maas has been under the influence of ASG bandits. During several occasions, the area has been reported as their staging ground and refuge during military operations.
Last January 2022, Special Forces Operators were able to liberate Sito Banglot in Upper Sinumaan and exert control over the area where the the Mosque stands. This marks the end of ASG influence in one of the notable religious landmarks in the Municipality of Talipao.
Masjid Maas, the lone Mosque in Upper Sinumaan, is regarded as one of the oldest Mosque in Sulu. The Mosque, according to elders, dates back before the Second World War.
As part of the activity, AMR donated PHP 10,000.00 to support the rehabilitation of the Mosque.
A simple religious exchange was conducted over a bonfire to cap the Iftar.
Through intensified Mass Base Operations and Community Support Program of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the 1101st Infantry Brigade, several initiatives where made to strengthen and insulate religious institutions from intrusion by extremist groups.
As part of the 6SFC,2SFBn's PCVE efforts, in partnership with several private stakeholders, the said Mosque will be rehabilitated to provide a conducive venue to preach peace according to the teachings of Islam.
More than just fighting the enemy, we are here to build communities..
..We are here to serve the Bangsa Sug - the Bangsa Moro.
This is your Armed Forces.
Reaching the Unreached.
Protecting the Vulnerable.
Liberating the Oppressed.
Because we can. Because we will
2LT Willy Sa-ao Jr, 6SFC, 2SFBn
Cpl Jonathan Jamorawon, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn
PFC Donard Desoza, 6SFC, 2SFBn
PFC Al-Jim Calisang, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn