Military - Sulu Provincial Government hold historic 125th Philippine Independence Day in Mount Sinumaan
Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu - June 13, 2023
The 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division and Sulu Provincial Government held a flag raising ceremony in line with the 125th Philippine Independence Day with the theme "Kalayan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan: Freedom, Future, History" at the peak of Mount Sinumaan, Patikul, Sulu on June 12, 2023.
As part of the event, the 11ID and Sulu LGU initiated the historic trekking to Mount Sinumaan together with partner stakeholders from the local government units, academe, youth sector, and reservists to celebrate the Independence Day.
The trekking started yesterday as troops had to sleep and waited for the Independence Day. Bud Sinumaan has an evelation of 775 meter above sea level. It took almost 2 hours trekking from Sitio Laum, Barangay Danag in Patikul to the peak of Mt. Sinumaan.
During the flag raising ceremony, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio delivered the message of the Chief of Staff, AFP saying, "As we celebrate today, we look ahead with determination and fuel with better tomorrow, channel our energy to bring sustainable peace. May we stand united as we raised the flag here that symbolizes the peace and prosperity. The sacrifice of our forefathers may inspires us to do greatness."
He also congratulated every individual who took the opportunity to trekked the peak and witnessed the breathtaking view of Mt. Sinumaan.
"Mount Sinumaan is once a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group. But with the collaborative efforts of the LGU's and support of the communities, we were able to free it and now we celebrate this momentous event. We are all part of the change in the security landscape of Sulu," ended Maj. Gen. Patromio.
Meanwhile, Mr. Erwin Tan, conveyed the message of Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan saying, "This is indeed a historical day for the whole country and for us here in Sulu. The result of our partnership that bonded together to unite have solved the cause of the problem in the province. We were able to get this far. We hope that we will continue to sustain the lasting peace."
One of highlights of of the activity is the inauguration of Bud Sinumaan Marker that symbolized that peace is possible as long as we work together as one.
Present during the event were Brig. Gen. Eugenio C. Boquio, Commander of 1101st Bde; Brig. Gen. Giovanni T. Franza, Commander of 1102nd Bde; Brig. Gen. Dennis Estrella, Wing Commander TOW WesMin; Col. Christopher C. Tampus, 1103rd Bde Commander; Army reservists, members of 11ID Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB); LGU JOLO represented by Mr. Lincoln Undug Tulawie; Police Col. Narciso Paragas, Sulu PPO; Mr. Neri Tan, NCMF Sulu; Prof. Darren T. Datiles of NDJC; Engr. Ajan Ajijul, MPW 2nd District Engr.; and Tausug Active Youth Organization (TAYO).