LUUK, Sulu — Soldiers and local leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Omar, Sulu, have jointly conducted a peace dialogue to strengthen their commitment to peace and unity in the region.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said that the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion organized the forum in Barangay Lahing-Lahing.
Lt. Col. Dante E. Mantes, commanding officer of the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, described the dialogue as a concrete step toward building trust and strengthening inclusive peace efforts in Luuk municipality. He emphasized that peace is a shared responsibility.
Discussions at the forum included community security, reintegration efforts for former combatants, and their vital role in promoting unity and development.
Mantes added that the gathering provided a venue for open discussion on critical issues related to peace and order and community stability, ensuring the meaningful inclusion of MNLF members in peacebuilding.
Delos Santos, meantime, reported that MNLF commanders expressed their readiness to support peace initiatives, maintain order in their communities, and work closely with the military to prevent violence and extremism.
He said the activity is part of the 101st IB’s localized peace engagement under the Preventing and Countering Violent Radical Extremism program, which aims to create conflict-resilient communities by empowering grassroots leadership and fostering reconciliation.
Through continued collaboration, the 101st IB and MNLF leaders reaffirmed their dedication to building a peaceful and inclusive future for the people of Luuk, Sulu.
In a related development, two labor groups affiliated with the MNLF in Barangay Bitanag, Panamao, Sulu, have been granted legal recognition by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MoLE). This is part of the Bangsamoro government’s efforts toward peacebuilding and economic empowerment.
The Bitanag MNLF Fisherfolk Association and Bitanag MNLF Women’s Association received their Certificates of Registration during a ceremonial handover Friday, led by MoLE-Sulu provincial head Jemimah K. Amin-Ilaji.