MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur —Selected members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) stationed in Marogong town gathered on March 2 to participate in the "Kambollayoka” basketball game.

The activity was the first of its kind since the inception of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which aimed at fostering lasting teamwork and mutual trust between the security forces and former combatants to enhance peace and security in grassroots communities.

It is a joint effort between the Bangsamoro Government, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and the Strategic Communications and Capacity Building (SCCB) Project.

"Ginawa natin ang project na ito para makita ng mga tao, ng mga sibilyan na yung ating MILF at ang ating gobyerno ay wala nang problema; at tuloy-tuloy na ito para sa kabutihan nating lahat. Ipamana natin ang culture ng katahimikan dito sa Lanao del Sur,” said Col. Billy Dela Rosa, the deputy commander of 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade of the Philippine Army.

[We conducted this event to show the people, the civilians, that the MILF and our government are now on good terms and that this will be sustained. Let us pass on the culture of peace here in Lanao del Sur.]

Commander Esmail "Delta" Cosain, speaking on behalf of the MILF, also expressed their support for all activities aimed at maintaining peace in the region, stating, "Iyong tropa ng MILF, In Shaa Allah, hangga’t kaya namin ay itutulong namin kung anuman ang kailangan naming itulong para sa ating bayan," he said.

[We, the MILF task force, are committed to extending any support to the government for the benefit of our society.]

Dr. Haroro Ingram, USIP’s country representative to the Philippines, also views "Kambollayoka" as one of the highlights of his seven-year advocacy work in Lanao del Sur. He also expressed USIP’s commitment to assisting BARMM in sustaining the gains of the peace process.

Marogong is one of the communities in Lanao del Sur that have experienced several conflicts. Through this activity, the government and its partner development agencies can promote unity and reconciliation in areas with a history of tension and strife.

Meanwhile, SCCB Project Director Aliah Adam said similar events would be conducted in other areas of BARMM to further strengthen the relationships of all stakeholders involved. (BIO/PIA Lanao del Sur)