THE Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), in partnership with the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu's 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn), spearheaded the construction of water tanks for the families and communities of the former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Sulu.
The project, a 10,000 liters water tanks, was undertaken in Sitio Banglot, Sinumaan village, Talipao, Sulu.
"The constructions of the 10,000 liters capacity water tank were made possible through the unending support of the Talipao MTF ELAC under the chairmanship of Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie," said Lieutenant Colonel Benito Ramos, commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion.
The MTF-ELAC is Sulu's counterpart to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).
With the partnership of the military forces with local partners specifically from MJB Cares Foundation who donated P30,000 for the project made possible, according to Ramos.
Counterpart waterhoses were provided by Talipao MTF-ELAC, while the autonomous region's Ministry of Social Service and Development MSSD-Sulu enrolled the workers under their Food-For-Work Program.
"The water tanks are symbols of peace, unity, and solidarity. Your security forces, together with the former ASG members, were the ones who constructed these water tanks for their community that were destroyed and ruined by ASG terrorism. We are now united in rebuilding the community in order to normalize the lives of the former ASG and their families," Ramos said.
Meanwhile, Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, JTF-Sulu commander, lauded the dedication and commitment of the 2SFBn of their efforts and contributions in ending the local armed conflict in their area of responsibilities.
Patrimonio also extended his sincere appreciation and recognition to the Talipao MTF-ELAC of their support to the peace, security, and development campaign of the JTF Sulu.
"I commend the troops of the 2SFBn of your efforts in constructing the water tanks for the community. Your feat is a manifestation of your professionalism and firm resolve of bringing lasting peace in the community," Patrimonio said.
"I therefore urge you to help the former ASG to live their normal lives as we continue to neutralize the remaining ASG bandits who continue to sow terror in the peaceful communities," he said.
"On behalf of the security forces in Sulu, I thank the Talipao MTF ELAC of your relentless effort and for being our reliable partners in our quest for lasting peace and sustainable development in the Province of Sulu. Let us help the former ASG members live normally and start anew," he added.
He said for those ASG bandits who still continue to sow terror in the peaceful communities, now is their time to surrender, go back to the folds of the law, and live peacefully.
He said the JTF-Sulu will be relentless in its campaign to end terrorism and bring lasting peace in the province of Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)