THE Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) is optimistic that with the support of all stakeholders, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will soon be irrelevant and peace will rain in the province of Sulu.

Major General William Gonzales, commander of the 11ID, issued the statement Saturday, January 2, 2021, as the command celebrated the New Year with hope and optimism.

“As we have done relentlessly, our units will continue to serve you as we battle the threat of terrorism and pandemic here in Sulu,” said Gonzales, who is also the Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division was activated on December 1, 2018, to pursue and eliminate the ASG in the province of Sulu.

The Alakdan Division have yielded significant intelligence and operational accomplishments in 2020, including the death of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the leader of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (Isis)-linked ASG in the province of Sulu.

“I assure you, with the local government units (LGUs) and all of Tausug's support, the Abu Sayyaf Group will soon be irrelevant and peace will reign in the communities of Sulu,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also extends gratitude to LGUs and other stakeholders in Sulu, who have tirelessly collaborated with them to strengthen the province’s security particularly through the militia forces and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams.

“One of the highlights of this year is our collective effort on the Balik Barangay Program, which success gave the internally displaced people of Patikul the opportunity to return to their previously war-torn communities and begin their lives anew,” he said.

“All these year’s triumphs give us a glimpse on the possibility of progress and encourage us to do more for the year 2021. With our love for the country, we will be steadfast in our fight for peace for the coming generations,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)