THE Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-Barmm) held a two-day Joint Simulation Exercise and Incident Command System for the senior commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (ID).
The Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence of the MILG has organized the activity, which was held from August 15 to 16 at Camp Siongco, which houses the 6ID headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, MILF minister, said the exercise, dubbed as "Sindaw nu Kalilintad," is the region's first of its kind activity designed to convene in one gathering the members and officers of Moro Islamic Liberation Front's BIAF and 6ID.
Sinarimbo said the two-day activity provided capacity-building on emergency response through the Executive Course on Incident Management, and to forge a climate of cooperation and camaraderie between the former opposing forces, who are now partners in peace building and development in Barmm.
Barmm Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, who represented Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during the activity, has emphasized the importance of peace building amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
"The holding of Sindaw nu Kalilintad is our bare minimum in promoting peace during this difficult time, but we will strive to continue our efforts to the best of our capacity," Macacua added.
Meanwhile, Sinarimbo, also head of the Barmm-Readi, provided the context of Sindaw nu Kalilintad, stressing the importance of a Joint Simulation Exercise between the MILF-BIAF and the 6ID.
He said Sindaw nu Kalilintad is Barmm's another way of expressing sincere intention to put an end to the decade-long conflict that is wreaking havoc "in our land whilst capacitating our people in disaster and emergency management."
Leading the delegation for the military and guest speaker was Major General Diosdado Carreon, 6ID commander. He was joined by 27 Brigade and Battalion officials and representatives under the division.
The MILF-BIAF also welcomed the intention of the Barmm government by sending 20 of their top-caliber and experienced Base Commanders and leaders to represent their organization. (SunStar Zamboanga)