ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) of the Philippine Army has deployed a team of female Tausug soldiers to render security duty in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, 11ID commander, said Wednesday the female soldiers’ deployment was in line with the command’s policy on gender equality in the service.
Vinluan, who is also the Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the female Tausug soldiers were deployed in checkpoints and other posts and will only render duty during the daytime.
One of the deployed soldiers, Private Fatima Mynirsa Muksan, a resident of Jolo, vowed to serve her province-mates.
“Natutuwa po ako dahil natutulungan ko at napagsisilbihan ang aking mga kababayan dito sa Sulu na mapanatiling maayos at mapayapa (I’m happy to contribute and serve my people to keep the peace here in Sulu),” Muksan said.
Vinluan said the deployment of female Tausug soldiers will continue based on the needs of the people especially during the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and other security situations in the province.
Vinluan also assured that the security and developmental needs in the province of Sulu will be maintained and addressed.
The official said he will not allow any threat and issues to impede the command’s mission “to give the Tausugs a peaceful and livable place they deserved”. -PNA