THE Philippine Army's 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division (ID) held the first-ever trail run in the former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.

A total of 123 runners coming from different units of 11ID have participated the trail run held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Mount Sinumaan, Patikul, Sulu.

The event started from Danag village in Patikul at 6 a.m. and ended in Kantitap village in the same town around 8:30 a.m.

In a statement Wednesday, May 31, Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, 11ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, said the trail run was held in preparation for the 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration, which will be held on June 12, 2023 at Mount Sinumaan.

Patrimonio said that through the trail run, they were able to visit and engage with the residents, who have expressed their appreciation on the improved peace and development in their communities.

"This (trail run) activity clearly manifests the improved security landscape in the province of Sulu. We were able to trek Mount Sinumaan, a well-known battleground and ASG lair four years ago," Patrimonio said.

"This also proved that our peace and security campaign and our collaboration with the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict are successful since Sulu is now enjoying a relative peace," Patrimonio added. (SunStar Zamboanga)