Brgy. Maligay, Patikul, Sulu – Consultative dialogue and site inspection led by MTF-ELAC Patikul and supported by JTF-Sulu takes place at a previously war-torned and abandoned community.
The Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) Patikul has been very active in conceptualizing and executing various projects. These projects are at the strategic level and designed to have a lasting effect that enables the community to finally end the malice brought about by the Abu Sayyafs. As the number of rebel returnees surges and the number of armed Abu’s dwindle, we see a municipality eager for recovery and development.
Today, Mayor Kabir Hayudini Chairman of MTF-ELAC Patikul was accompanied by no less than 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Commander MGen. William N. Gonzales. The JTF Commander wanted to see for himself the preparations for the incoming Balik Barangay Program for Brgy. Maligay which was displaced since 2016.
During the dialogue, discussed were the rehabilitation of farm to market roads, installation of electrical lines and water system, livelihood opportunities and emplacement of a military patrol base. This patrol base is already on the works and being fast-tracked by the 21st Infantry Battalion as requested by the barangay chairman herself, Hon. Diding J. Hajirani. According to Hon. Ahajani they feel more confident when troops are with them. “Magsukul kanyo katan. Kung wala kayo hindi kami makakabalik dito (Thank you very much. If you’re not here we will not be going back here),” she said to the troops present.
Troops of 6th Special Forces Battalion and 21st Infantry Battalion are securing the residents of Maligay 24/7. Moreover, they are constantly engaging the residents through dialogues and joint clean up drives. “During our one month stay here, we felt as if we have also found home. We ate here, slept here, and spent time with the residents that we treat them as brothers and sisters, ” said 1LT. Rex M. Zacarias of 17th Special Forces Company.
Maligay is the fourth barangay to undergo the Balik Barangay Program. Barangays Bungkaong, Latih, and Tugas were brought back to their land earlier this year. Meanwhile, Brgy. Kabbon Takas is also on deck to be brought back this November. With the rehabilitation of several barangays, Mayor Hayudini stated that it is the right time for the remaining Abu Sayyafs to surrender to government forces.
“Troops have told me that it is heartwarming to see parents building their homes while children are out playing happily in their barangay. Things that they have always long for. Likewise, we are fortunate to be partners with a local government that is eager to serve our people. From our end, we secure them and offer all our assets and manpower so long as its geared for peace which we all strive for. The Alakdan Division is permanently staying here until we see a province finally thriving.” – MGen. William N Gonzales, Commander, JTF Sulu
(Source: 11th Infantry Division ” Alakdan Troopers”)