LIEUTENANT General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), along with officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), visited Tuesday, April 6, 2021, the former training camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Tumanggong village, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

During the visit, Vinluan met with Commander Suaib Edris, the Base Commander of 113th Company, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); Barahama Ali, Base Officer of the same unit; and; Esmael Mamiscal, representative of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities-MILF (CCCH-MILF).

The election officials who accompanied Vinluan include: Lawyer Wilfred Jay Balisado, Comelc regional director; Lawyer Teopisto Elnas, Jr., Comelec assistant regional director; and, Lawyer James Jimenez, education and information department director of the Comelec central office.

“This (visit) is very important because they will be able to assist you in preparing for next year’s election especially in exercising your right to vote,” Vinluan told the MILF leaders.

Vinluan further said Westmincom and the local government of Tungawan are always ready to provide assistance on the security and development aspects of the community.

Meanwhile, Edris ensured that the unit is in full support of the peace process.

He also expressed his gratitude to Vinluan, Tungawan Municipal Mayor Carlnan Climaco, and all the visitors for taking the time to visit and check on the situation of the community.

The visit of Vinluan Salman community aimed to establish a better relationship between the military and the MILF for sustainable peace and development in Tumanggong village.

Also present during the historic event were Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, Westmincom deputy commander for administration; Major General Generoso Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander; Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander; Colonel Antonio John Divinagracia, 102nd Infantry Brigade deputy commander; Colonel Jessie Montoya, Westmincom assistant chief of unified command staff for operations; Colonel Yasser Bara, Westmincom assistant chief of unified command staff for intelligence; the local government and barangay officials; and other guests. (SunStar Zamboanga)