New batch of MILF fighters, gov't troops complete joint training in Maguindanao

Over 300 members of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) Class of 2019, composed of representatives from government security forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF), completed their training last Friday.

In a statement, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said 317 JPST members underwent training “to carry out their mandate of ensuring peace and security in areas mutually identified by both parties.”

“Ni minsan ay hindi po sumagi sa isipan ko na darating ang ganitong pagkakataon, na ang dating magkatunggali sa armadong digmaan ay magiging magkasangga sa pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan,” said MILF-BIAF fighter Mujahid Asghar Omar.

During the closing ceremony of the training in Parang, Maguindanao, Joint Peace and Security Committee co-chairperson Dickson Hermoso said the JPST is one of the fruits of the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Tandaan lamang po natin na ito ay simula pa lamang ng inyong napakahalagang misyon: protektahan ang Bangsamoro laban sa mga gustong magdulot ng kaguluhan dito, at tulungan ang pamahalaan ng rehiyon na isulong ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa inyong lugar,” he told the JPST members.

The JPST Class of 2019 consisted of 150 MILF-BIAF fighters, 77 Armed Forces servicemen, and 90 police officers from the Philippine National Police. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News