CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguinanao del Norte – In a remarkable display of unity and camaraderie, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project in coordination with the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central hosted a Basketball Friendship Game coined as “Kambollayoka” which aims to foster unity between its participants from the military, police and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The event took place at the 6ID Gymnasium, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte and was held on December 14, 2023.
The friendship game was actively participated by basketball players from the military, Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force, PNP Cotabato City Police Office-City Mobile Force Company, MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, PH CCCH/AHJAG and 44SAC, 4SAB PNP-SAF, with MP Suwaib Oranon, Member of BTA Parliament and MILF Central Mindanao Front Commander as the guest of honor and speaker.
Also present to the said event was Brigadier General Nasser Lidasan, 6ID Assistant Division Commander; Col. Edgar L Catu, Chief of Staff, 6ID; Dr. Haroro Ingram, United States Institute of Peace Senior Expert, Philippines; Hon. Anwar Alamada, MILF-AHJAG Chairman and PSRO Executive Director; Mr. Malik Caril, MILF CCCH Member and OIC, Western Mindanao Front, BIAF-MILF; Ms. Aliah Adam, SCCB Project Director; PCol Querubin Manalang, Cotabato City Police Station Director; and other invited guests.
Brigadier General Nasser Lidasan said that the activity aims to foster solidarity and build rapport between the participants. “The friendship game, which brought together personnel from different security forces and our friends from the peace-inclined groups, not only display our desire to publicly demonstrate camaraderie but more of our genuine commitment to acquire lasting peace in the community”. Brig, Gen. Lidasan said in his message.
The “Kambollayoka” Basketball Friendship Game showcased the power of sports in building bridges and breaking down barriers. Highlighting a collective pledge, the military, PNP and MILF affirm their continuous commitment in fostering positive relationships while collaboratively striving for the community’s improvement and progress.
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