Intensified BARMM security operations sought
The two leaders — Gonzales and Ebrahim — discussed efforts to aggressively strengthen security cooperation to pursue local terrorist groups in the region
Daily TribuneThe two leaders — Gonzales and Ebrahim — discussed efforts to aggressively strengthen security cooperation to pursue local terrorist groups in the region
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command recently held a a high-level security cooperation meeting and consultation aimed to strengthen security cooperation to aggressively pursue local terrorist groups in the region.
AFP-WMC commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim led the high-level security cooperation meeting and consultation in Cotabato City as the BARMM official appreciated the biggest contingent of military commanders reaching his office purposely for dialogue and consultation.
The two leaders — Gonzales and Ebrahim — discussed efforts to aggressively strengthen security cooperation to pursue local terrorist groups in the region.
One of the highlights of the consultation and dialogue focused on jointly pursuing the perpetrators of the bombing in Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, one of the component cities of BARMM.
Gonzales told Ebrahim that the strength of Dawlah Islamiyah, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other lawless elements significantly dwindled and became irrelevant in the Muslim communities in Mindanao.
Ebrahim, on the other hand, pointed out that consultation (Ashura) and consensus (Ijmaah) are two important governing principles BARMM adopts in its management processes as he stressed the importance of the security sector in moving forward the gains of the peace agreement.
The two leaders agreed to pursue an inclusive program that would promote peace and development in the region.
Highlights of the consultation include the strengthening of the Regional Peace and Order Council, the activation of the Bangsamoro Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict, fast-tracking of the normalization process especially the decommissioning program and the establishment of Reformation Centers in the region which will cater in the rehabilitation, de-radicalization and counseling of former violent extremists.
The meeting was joined by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division; Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and 1st Infantry Division; Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Taharudin Piang Ampatuan and Brig. Gen. Nasser Lidasan.
On the side of BARMM officials, those present were Ebrahim, Minister Edward Guerra of the Ministry of Public Works; Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo; Social Services and Development Minister Raisa Jadjurie and Ministry Environment and Natural Resources Minister Akmad Brahim.