Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Strengthen Peace Initiatives

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Strengthen Peace Initiatives

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 23, 2023): Strengthen Peace Initiatives

Tabiawan, Isabela City, August 23, 2023 — A momentous collaborative effort unfolded as soldiers, police personnel, and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) came together for a transformative 3-day Joint Verification Group (JVeG) Training. The training was organized under the auspices of the Joint Body on the Management of the Arms and Forces (JBMAF) led by distinguished figures: Col. Noel Buncab PN (M) of the AFP Peace and Development Office, PLTC Heinrich Alafriz of the PNP Peace Process and Development Center, and Ms. Maricon Sagayno of the MNLF Peace Process Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).

Taking place from August 15 to 17, 2023, at the Headquarters of the 101st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan, the training marked a significant stride in fostering collaboration and understanding among diverse stakeholders.

The participants were immersed in a dynamic program encompassing workshops, interactive discussions, and simulation exercises meticulously crafted to amplify their proficiencies in facilitating the transition of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants through the MNLF Transformation Program. This comprehensive program aims to cultivate socio-economic stability, elevate security measures, foster confidence-building, and initiate the vital processes of community healing and reconciliation for former MNLF combatants.

The successful execution of this training was achieved through the dedicated coordination of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, under the stewardship of Brigadier General Buenaventura Pascual (Retired), Co-Chairperson of the Peace and Security Sub-Committee, OPAPRU; Joint Task Force Basilan, led by Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon; and the Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations of Western Mindanao Command, directed by Col. Wendell Basat.

For his part, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the OPAPRU for initiating the conduct of this kind of activity. “Trainings such as this are crucial in keeping the actors abreast of how to do better to ensure the success of their mission.”

According to Lt. Gen. Galido, the activity was a good venue for confidence-building and patching of wounds that had long been healed but still keep on piercing. “I am personally overjoyed that this initiative promises the speedy delivery of goods to the people and communities.”

This collaborative endeavor stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of all parties involved in pursuing lasting peace, unity, and prosperity for the region.