Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu - September 7, 2023
The Sulu Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) declared the province as an ASG-Free during the 3rd Quarter 2023 Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting held at Sumadja Hall, SACC Building, Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu on September 6, 2023.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan narrated in his message, "It is my great pleasure and immense pride to declare the Province of Sulu as ASG-Free. This event marks a significant accomplishment in our never ending quest for stability, security, and peace. With the support of our security sector and the community, we can see that the improvement in our province. This is the indicator that there is harmony, so we came up with the agreement that the Sulu will be declared ASG Free.”
Gov. Tan further said, “Let us keep cooperating to create a community that respects harmony, diversity, and development."
It can be recalled that prior to the declaration of the province of Sulu as ASG-Free, the 19 municipalities of the province have declared their respective towns as ASG-Free.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu said, “prior to this momentous event, we were able to clear from ASG affectation the 52 ASG-affected barangays which attributed to the voluntary surrender of 966 ASG personalities and recovery of 559 firearms.”
"This declaration is a significant milestone as it marked the collective victory of the local government units together with various sectors that work together towards attaining peace and security in Sulu. This will bring forth development and will boost the eco-tourism of the province," added Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.
"Let us continue to work together to sustain our gains toward our common vision of lasting peace and sustainable development in the province of Sulu," Maj. Gen. Patrimonio concluded.
The event was witnessed by the 19 Municipal Mayors of Sulu, Police Col. Narciso Paragas, Provincial Director of Sulu Police Provincial Office, Brigade and Battalion Commanders, and JTF Sulu staff..
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