CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Armed with the desire to strengthen peace in Mindanao, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), visited the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) main base in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Sunday.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th ID, said Sobejana, accompanied by brigade and battalion commanders, had the chance to touch base in the historical place of the MILF’s Camp Darapanan as a sign of commitment to the pursuit of peace and development.
Encinas said Sobejana, who also heads the Task Force Central, and his staff visited the camp to build trust and confidence between the military and the MILF central committee, chaired by Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
“We did not carry our guns inside the hall, our armed escorts stayed outside the camp,” Encinas said, adding no armored personnel carrier or military hardware accompanied the Army general.
“It was historical and unprecedented since it was the first time that the 6th ID top brass visited Camp Darapanan in full force,” Encinas said.
Murad assured the officials that inside the camp, all their visitors are safe whether military, police, government officials or diplomats.
“When you are in Camp Darapanan, feel free. You are safe, and secured and feel like at home,” Murad told his special guests.
“We are embracing you in this camp with a sincere and a clean heart with a common goal,” the MILF chief added.
Sobejana told Murad and other MILF leaders that his coming over was an opportunity “to listen to your future programs and activities as part as the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”
“We have a similar objective, which is peace and progress for our people,” Sobejana, who earned the moniker among Mindanaons as “Army peace builder”, said.
“In war, we cannot get enough, but in talking, we can get more than we expect. We are here in full support and cooperation with all your noble intention and undertakings,” he added.
The Army and the MILF did not disclose what was formally forged during the two-hour meeting. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
