COTABATO CITY – A total of 317 enlisted personnel from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) completed Friday, November 22, the 2nd Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) training at Camp Brigadier General Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao.
The trainees are composed of 150 BIAF members, 77 soldiers from the AFP and 90 members from PNP. The one-month training started on October 21 and ended on November 21, 2019.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, who was represented by Ustadh Salim Lingasa, said “we shall show the country the indomitable strength of a single united front and inspire communities to adopt a similar culture of trust and peace.”
He said the tying of the once opposing forces “signifies the dawn of a more progressive Bangsamoro: one that is committed to protect the people from all things harmful and detrimental.”
Secretary Carlito Galvez, presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, represented by Transportation and Communications Minister Dickson Hermoso congratulated the graduates.
“Ang araw na ito ay simbolo na malayo na rin ang ating narating sa paglalakbay tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan sa Bangsamoro at Mindanao,” he said.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the skill demonstration of selected JPST and the awarding of certificates and medals for outstanding students.
Some BARMM officials, representatives of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) and the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) were also present during the ceremony.-BPI-BARMM
