JOLO, Sulu — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and military officials visited the two main camps of the Moro National Liberation Front in Indanan, Sulu as part of the administration's efforts to end insurgency in the provinces.
During the visit, the OPAPRU conducted an Information, Education, and Communication campaign as part of the MNLF Transformation Program for former MNLF combatants and their families.
They also visited former MNLF combatants and their communities at Camp Yusop Jikiri in Barangay Pasil and Camp Dragon in Barangay Kagay, both located in Indanan.
Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio accompanied OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and other top officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the two MNLF camps.
They were welcomed by the MNLF leaders led by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Member of the Parliament Albakil "Thong" Jikiri and MNLF commander Ibrahim Joel.
"You can count on the Marcos administration to continue to support the MNLF in your pursuit of the path of peace and prosperity," Galvez said. "You can be sure that we will remain behind you and our support is very unconditional."
Patrimonio informed the visiting officials of the improved security environment in Sulu and extended his sincerest gratitude to the MNLF for their contribution to the attainment of a common vision of lasting peace and prosperity in the province of Sulu.
"We are now experiencing the improved security situation here in Sulu, and we have gone this far primarily because of your relentless support and contribution to end terrorism in the province," Patrimonio said.
Meantime, BARMM-Ministry of Labor and Employment and chair of the MNLF Central Committee Minister Muslimin Sema expressed his gratitude for bringing the government's support for peace and development to the MNLF communities.
For her part, MP Nurainee T. Misuari, daughter of MNLF founding chairperson Nur Misuari, emphasized the need for unity, saying that the "power of an organization is the unity of the people, and unity is the greatest solution to achieve peace and progress for our province."
MNLF Secretary General Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim also lauded Galvez and his team for bringing the MNLF Transformation Program they have longed for since the Final Peace Agreement in 1996.
