Community leaders, army engage to sustain peace in Sulu

The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday conducted a Localized Peace Engagement at the Headquarters of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion to support the maintenance of Gun-Free and Rido-Free communities in Omar and Luuk in Sulu, Philippines.

The activity gathered ten Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leaders, community representatives, and security partners. Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Brigade Commander, presided over the event alongside Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, Commanding Officer of 101IB. The Omar Municipal Police Station also participated, highlighting inter-agency collaboration.

Discussions focused on unity, dialogue, and community responsibility in sustaining peace initiatives. MNLF leaders expressed their commitment to support Rido-Free and Gun-Free programs and to promote harmony within their communities.

Lt. Col. Mantes reaffirmed the battalion’s willingness to assist local stakeholders, while Brig. Gen. Delos Santos stressed that maintaining peace requires ongoing dialogue and shared responsibility. Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, noted that cooperation between the military and community leaders is crucial in preventing conflict.

The engagement concluded with the signing of a Pledge of Support, symbolizing the collective commitment of participants to uphold peace in Omar and Luuk.