SULU – The Philippine Army thanked Governor Sakur Tan for his support in various, including its community and humanitarian programs in the southern province of Sulu where it recently graduated over 230 new soldiers.
Sulu Governor Sakur 'Datu Shabandar' Tan receives a commemorative token from the 11th Infantry Division during the recent graduation of MAKUSUG Class of 2020 in Indanan town. (Philippine Army)
Tan, a respected and influential leader, was the honored guest during the Closing Ceremony and Entrustment of Firearms of Candidate Soldier Course (MAKUSUG) Class 620-2020 held the training school of the 11th Infantry Division in Camp Bud Datu in Indanan town.
The class was the first batch of Tausug soldiers, who were trained by the 11th Infantry Division, under Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr.
The class was the first batch of Tausug soldiers, who were trained by the 11th Infantry Division, under Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr.
During the historic ceremony, Tan emphasized the important role of Tausugs in peace-building efforts.
“Sa lahat ng estratehiya ng pamahalaan sa pagsugpo ng terorismo, ito ang pinaka-epektibo. Matutulungan ninyo ang inyong pamilya lalo na ang komunidad sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan. Huwag kayong magpagamit sa kasamaan at gawin sa tama ang inyong sinumpaan,” he said.
The class name MAKUSUG (Muslim at Kristiyano, Unang Susulong Upang Gapiin ang Terrorismo sa Sulu) Class composed of 217 men and 20 women - all Tausugs – underwent rigid training and discipline under the tutelage of Colonel Wendell Basat.
Basat said the class name reflects the soldiers' commitment in maintaining peace in Sulu, also called Lupah Sug.
“The military profession knows no religion. Muslims and Christians alike are truly committed in preventing lawlessness in Sulu,” he said, adding, the new soldiers are now members of the 11th Infantry Division.
He said for four months, the recruits had undergone various skills training such as Marksmanship, Field Survival, Land Navigation, Map Reading and Field Training Exercises with the aim of equipping them with the best military disciplines and principles.
Their graduation, he said, pushed through despite the pandemic while maintaining the necessary health protocols throughout the ceremony. No visitors had been allowed to attend the ceremony as part of the quarantine guidelines imposed by the Sulu Task Force on Covid-19 and the Department of Health.
Vinluan also said they endeavored to prioritize residents of Sulu in its recruitment for both regular and special enlistment of candidate soldiers.
“The purpose is not only to help their families but at the same time to enable the Tausugs become one with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in sustaining peace in their homeland,” he said.
He encouraged the new privates to become productive soldiers. “Huwag ninyong kakalimutan lahat ng naituro sa inyo ng 11DTS (11th Infantry Division Training School) at lakasan ang loob sa lahat ng hamon ng buhay. Kayo ay magiging kaagapay na sa pagsasakatuparan ng ating misyon upang makamit ang tunay na kapayapaan at kaunlaran dito sa ating bayan,” he said. (Zamboanga Post and Mindanao Examiner)
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/06/tausug-makusug-class-soldiers-pride-of.html
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