AFP chief calls for 'meaningful conversations' to foster peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2023): AFP chief calls for 'meaningful conversations' to foster peace (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SYMBOL OF PEACE. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (2nd from right) joins Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (center) and other guests during the unveiling of the "Symbol of Peace" monument on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023) at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte. The AFP attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of the communities. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday called for "meaningful conversations" to tear down the walls of conflict and promote peace.

Brawner made this remark during the unveiling of the "Symbol of Peace" monument at the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Maguindanao del Norte province.

"May it inspire us all to engage in meaningful conversations to dismantle the walls that divide us and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation. Let us draw strength from the enduring spirit displayed by the men and women who have helped shape our nation’s history,” Brawner said.

The monument is an 18-foot replica of an M-16 automatic rifle built using dismantled firearms confiscated, captured, recovered or surrendered to the military as part of ongoing efforts to end violence and proliferation of illegal firearms in the Bangsamoro region.

Also present during the ceremony were Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, 6th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera and other representatives and stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The AFP also attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of the communities, adding that a purely military solution will only be temporary.

“When all government agencies, the local government, the private sector, and more importantly the peace-inclined groups work together, we can speed up peace and progress,” he added.

Brawner also urged all Filipinos to stand and be united in upholding peace, unity and progress.

"May this symbol of transformation and peace serve as a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect our nation and the very fabric of harmony upon which it is built,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210301