ZAMBOANGA CITY – Close to 400 government militias in the southern Philippine province of Sulu are set to undergo military training as part of a security task force that will help protect marine environment and enforce coastal laws.
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| A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the 380 members of the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary - Task Force Bantay Dagat in Sulu province. |
The 11th Infantry Division will facilitate the training of the Task Force Bantay Dagat which is composed of some 380 Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary members. They will conduct maritime patrol utilizing 95 motorboats, according to Army Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
Gov. Sakur Tan (Photo courtesy of Nahdin Jubaira, Sulu Area Coordinating Council)
This was also confirmed by Gov. Sakur Tan on Monday, November 21, saying the task force was jointly launched Saturday, November 19, by the provincial government and the 11th Infantry Division.
“The task force will work with the security forces to protect the integrity of the territorial waters and marine environment, monitor illegal fishing, provide assistance in rescue operations, and enforce coastal laws,” he said.
Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao, lauded the creation of the task force. “The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province.”
“Good governance greatly contributed to the gradual change of the province’s image from terrorism to tourism. The establishment of the Task Force Bantay Dagat is a very good initiative to sustain peace in Sulu. Together let us eliminate the lawless activities in Sulu waters,” he said.
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| A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan with National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos and other defense and security officials during the Nov. 19, 2022 launching of the Task Force Bantay Dagat. |
The formal launching of the task force was also attended by senior defense and security officials led by Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino, Jr.; Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.; National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos; PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.; Philippine Coast Guard Chief Admiral Artemio Abu; Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio; Bangsamoro regional police chief, Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon; and local government officials.
Faustino said the Department of Defense will integrate the operations of the task force in its internal defense system to bring about a holistic approach in protecting Sulu. Tan also held a meeting with Faustino’s group and briefed them on the improved peace and order situation in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
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