By:Shammah Yana Sunga News Bureau /
MAJOR ANDREW LINAO WestMinCom
President FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR., witnessed the WestMinCom under LTGEN WILLIAM GONZALES Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program on March 2,2024 at Kasanyangan Peace Monument, Barangay Mahatallang, Sumisip, Basilan.
In cooperation of Provincial Government of Basilan led by GOVERNOR JIM HATAMAN SALLIMAN and 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade under the leadership of BGEN ALVIN LUZON; 18th Infantry (Deo et Patria) Battalion led by LTC CYRIL SANTANDER , 45th Infantry (Gallant) Battalion led by LTC MICHAEL COLLANTA, 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion LTC ABEL POTUTAN and 4th Special Forces (Dolphin Warriors) Battalion led by LTC ADOLF INA M GARCERON line battalions facilitated the collection, safekeeping, and surrender of these firearms. Most recent firearms surrender under the SALW Management Program was conducted on March 1, 2024, in 3 different areas, resulting in the surrender of 94 firearms and the stenciling of 168 others.
PBBM he praised the local government’s efforts, led by Governor Jim Hataman Salliman. He also recognized the significant role of the people of Basilan in achieving genuine peace and development in the province.
United Nations Management Program (UNDP) and the Government of Japan through the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE Program in cooperation with the Office of the Presidential Adviser, on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU headed by Secretary LTGEN CARLITO GALVEZ JR sponsored the Motorcycles and food packs awarded to individuals who had surrendered their firearms through the SALW Management Program as well as community projects.
PBBM also visited 64th Infantry Battalion Headquarters at Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip Basilan, where he was formally received by 11th Infantry (ALAKDAN) Division/ JOINT TASK FORCE ORION Commander MGEN IGNATIUS PATRIMONIO Ignatius N Patrimonio PA, Commander of Joint with other military officers. He was also given a situational brief of the area in an executive session attended by the Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro Jr; OPAPRU LTGEN GALVEZ, National Security Adviser(NSA) LTGEN Eduardo Año; LTGEN GONZALES, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division MGEN GABRIEL C VIRAY III, 11ID Assistant Division Commander COL JOEL MARIANO, 11ID G3 COL MABORANG
WestMinCom LTGEN GONZALES Commander presented the progress of the unit’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency, as well as the maritime and territorial defense operations.
PBBM talked to the TRAJAN troopers, acknowledging the troops’ efforts and sacrifices to carry out the peace and development campaign in Basilan Province. In his message, he emphasized the importance of sustaining the gains of peace and development in the area. Further, President Marcos Jr took cognizance of the role of the national government in ensuring that the needed services were delivered in the Bangsamoro.
“We were able to attain that our soldiers are competent warfighters, but now I am proud to say that they are not just like that, but, are now peacemakers and peacekeepers,” he added.
Present to show support to the SALW Management Program were Minister Daisuke Nihei, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines; Ambassador Luc Veron, Head of Delegation of European Union to the Philippines; Honorable Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to the Philippines; Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative, UNDP Philippines; Maureen Tobias, Program Assistant; BARMM Officials headed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim; Board Members of Basilan Province led by Vice Governor Yusop Alano; Local Chief Executives of Basilan; Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and other distinguished guests. (photo by: Lt Denielle Bucalan 64IB).
