TROOPS based in Tawi-Tawi have been urged to "continue to develop the competencies required on us, not only in war fighting, but also in operations other than war for the sake of peace in Mindanao."

This was the message of Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, to the troops during his visit to Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, August 6.

Sobejana has urged the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi to maintain their resolve by strengthening inter-agency and multi-sector cooperation to bridge peace in the operational area.

"We don't win wars because we do not want one. We should win the peace, and, in winning the peace, we don't need weapons," Sobejana added.

He encouraged the ground commanders to look after the welfare of their personnel while they work to accomplish their mission.

"I had several gunshot wounds, and I turned those wounds into wisdom rather than anger. So, for those who were wounded, I would like you to embrace that idea," he said, relating his experience in Basilan.

Brigadier General Camilo Balutan, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, welcomed Sobejana and his staff upon arrival in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao during the official's visit.

The Westmincom chief also received security updates from the ground forces during his visit in Tawi-Tawi.