Army chief lauds troops for campaign vs Abu bandits

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner has commended the 11th Infantry or Alakdan Division (ID) for sustaining peace in Sulu and decimating Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Brawner feted soldiers belonging to the 11th ID led by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio during the Army unit’s anniversary at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo on Friday.

The 11th ID was activated in 2018 to help crush the Abu Sayyaf.

Brawner also commended local chief executives in the province for supporting the campaign of the military against Abu Sayyaf bandits as well as in addressing other security threats.

He said the absence of kidnapping in the province in the past two years is an indication of peace and security in Sulu.

“We are your partners and let us all work together to sustain the peace,” Brawner said.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr., for his part, commended the professionalism of the 11th ID and the cooperation of communities, saying these resulted in stability in the province.

”We hope to sustain our efforts to fully realize a peaceful Sulu,” he said.