New Army troops ready to battle Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
Sixty-four Muslim Tausug troops are among 389 newly-graduated soldiers.
SULU: Sixty-four soldiers from the local Muslim Tausug ethnic group have finished training and are now mission-ready to secure the southern Philippine province of Sulu from terrorists and other lawless elements, the Army said.
The Tausug soldiers were among the 389 newly-graduated soldiers who completed their seven-month Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) last Saturday.
Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, the commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11th Infantry Division (11ID), officiated the course’s closing ceremony at Camp Bud Datu in Indanan municipaly.
“Of the 389 newly-graduates of INFOC Class 06-2022, 64 were Tausugs. They will be deployed to the different units to be additional forces in support to the peace and security campaign here in Sulu,” said Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, the commandant of 11ID Training School, in a statement Monday.
Patrimonio led the symbolic entrustment of firearms to the new soldiers “which signifies the people’s trust in soldiers’ readiness and ability to accomplish their mission.”
The military has observed an improved security situation in Sulu after the transformation of former Moro combatants and camps into peaceful communities.
This, after the implementation of the peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
But threat groups such as the pro-Daesh Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) continued to pose security concerns in Sulu.
“Take care of your service, of yourself, and your families because you work hard for it. We expect a lot from you, be the role that you can be and stand proud,” Patrimonio told the new soldiers.
The recruitment of Tausug locals within the Army is important because they know the people, terrain and culture in the island province.
Ed.: Very important development in counterterrorism efforts. Thoughts? Like and leave your comments below.