Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 5, 2022): Fighters to Farmers : A fresh start for former asg members in sulu
January 05, 2022, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – On new year’s day, “Fighters to Farmers” program was launched by Army Special Forces in Brgy Bud Bunga, Talipao, Sulu.
“This food on the table concept was a success in empowering communities in Basilan. We believe that this will also boost our PCVE efforts here in Sulu,” said 2nd Special Forces “Sabertooth” Battalion (2SFBn) Commander Ltc Benito Ramos Jr.
According to him, the military and the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict have constructed several enabling facilities to include a two kilometer water system from Tubig Dakula, Brgy Upper Sinumaan to Brgy Bud Bunga.
“This year, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) returnees from Talipao are programed to undergo agriculture workshops to be facilitated by soldiers who have knowledge in practical and traditional farming techniques. They will also be acquainted with the use of technologies including motorized tillers to increase efficiency and yield,” Ltc Benito added.
Meanwhile, Cpt Ron T Villarosa Jr, Commanding Officer of 6th Special Forces Company and Project Convener of “Fighters to Farmers” gave a glimpse how this project will affect the security landscape.
“Food is peace served on the table. By empowering the ASG Returnees and the community with the means to provide for their basic needs, we are reducing the vulnerability of the ASG Returnees and the community to be dragged into conflict in exchange for food, money, or other subsistence.”
For his part, Joint Task Force – Sulu and 11th Infantry Division MGen William N Gonzales commended the troops for their ingenuity in confronting security threats. “This kind of initiative showcase how committed and professional our modern army is. We strive to become experts in project development and community organizing through the aid of our partner agencies.”
To note, two former ASG members identified as Sibakkal Salahuddin, 55, and Isbain Sakilan, 49, yielded to 2SFBn on New Year’s Day. They were received by 1101st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Eugenio Boquio.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/fighters-to-farmers-a-fresh-start-for-former-asg-members-in-sulu/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.