Former rebel combatants’ progeny undergo 3-day leadership training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 26, 2020): Former rebel combatants’ progeny undergo 3-day leadership training (By PIA Cotabato City)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao, Nov. 26 (PIA)-- At least 30 sons and daughters of former rebels who died during encounter with government forces underwent a three-day leadership training at the Bangsamoro University of the Philippines, Inc. in Barangay Magaslong here.

The training which centered on the theme, ‘Kabataan, Katungkulan, Tunay na Kapayapaan’, was aimed at dissuading Moro youth from joining the ranks of local terrorist groups. It was facilitated by the troops of the 6th Infantry Battalion led by commanding officer LTC Charlie Banaag and teams from Civil Military Operations Battalion.

The participants came from various villages of Datu Piang.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, 6ID spokesperson and battalion commander of the 6th Civil Military Operations reminded participants to internalize the learnings and inculcate in their heart that they will be the future of this generation.

“Through this youth leadership training, somehow, we could strengthen them (youth) to solve the problem in the continuing fight against the local terrorist groups,” Atilano noted adding that the youth’s participation to government efforts could bring peace and development in their community.

The army official also emphasized the importance of good leadership as a key for a strong foundation needed for the youth not to be deceived by wrong ideologies.

Datu Piang, formerly known as Dulawan, is a landlocked municipality in the coastal province of Maguindanao. The place has been a war-torn area in the past that is why the government is doing measures to prevent residents, especially young people, not to easily believe in “the wrong ideology injected to them” by communist terrorist groups. (With reports from DPAO-6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060205