Camp Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Aug 2, 2023
The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and the Municipal Task Force Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) Patikul facilitated the Balik-Sitio Program of 176 families of Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul, Sulu on July 29, 2023.
According to Brig. Gen. Christopher Tampus of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade, “Sitio Lumbaan was known to be one of the strongholds of Abu Sayyaf Leader Radullan Sahiron. The families residing in this sitio were displaced for over 20 years due to ASG terrorism. With the improved security landscape of Sulu, we are very happy that we were able to facilitate their safe return in their community.”
In his remarks, Hon. Mayor Kabir E. Hayudini, Municipal Mayor of Patikul said, "Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong walang sawang pag suporta at pagbibigay ng tulong lalo na sa munisipyo ng Patikul. Makakaasa kayo na ito ay aming pahahalagahan at makikiisa sa layuning pangkapayapaan."
Among the highlights of the program were the inauguration and ribbon-cutting of a 3 kilometers concreted road of Sitio Lumbaan; construction of water system level II; and comfort rooms; distribution of goods and gift-giving by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD); and free medical check ups and giving of medicines conducted by the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital Office (IPHO).
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu in his message said that, "Ang tagumpay ng ating balik-sitio ay nasa inyong mga kamay. Hangad namin na makamit ang kaayusan at kaunlaran para sa Sitio Lumbaan sa pamamagitan nitong Balik Barangay Program. Muli, binabati ko kayo sa inyong pagbabalik pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon," said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.
Also, Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Provincial Governor of Sulu expressed his gratitude and commended the efforts of every agency who contributed for the success of Balik-Sitio Program.
Balik-Sitio is part of the Balik-Barangay Program of the Sulu PTF-ELAC which was started in 2019. As of this reporting, a total of 14 barangays with a total of 7,600 families were able to return to their communities after a long period of displacement.
Present during the event were Brig. Gen. Taharudin Ampatuan, 11ID Assistant Division Commander; Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Tampus, 1103rd Bde Commander; Engr. Ajan Ajijul, MPW Sulu 1st District Engr; Sulu Provincial Police Office and other military personnel.
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