CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–The Philippine Army has cited the 6th Infantry Division (ID) for its “effective” campaign against violent extremism in its area of jurisdiction, Army Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega said here Thursday.
Dela Vega, commander of the 6ID which covers the whole of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, part of North Cotabato and part of Lanao del Sur, said the citation has boosted the morale of the officers as well as the men and women of the “Kampilan” division.
“Currently, the 6ID is actively implementing various civil-military operations to prevent extremists from infiltrating Moro communities in Maguindanao and at the same time successfully preventing the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from expanding outside,” dela Vega said.
Col. Markton Abo, 6th ID civil military officer, received the commendation at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday.
Dela Vega said the award would inspire the 6th ID personnel to sustain the gains of the anti-terrorism campaign that could mean more BIFF members neutralized or convinced to surrender and become productive citizens of Maguindanao.
He also attributed the division’s “successful campaign” against lawless elements to community stakeholders, such as local government officials, the police, and residents “who on many occasions provided the Army with timely and accurate information on the activities of lawless elements and terrorists in the 6ID area of responsibility.”
Since January this year, at least 15 BIFF members have turned themselves in, along with their firearms, dela Vega said. (PNA)
