The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
International peacekeepers thank Sulu Governor
SULU – Members of the Malaysian- led International ( Cease- fire) Monitoring Team have expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Sulu Governor Totoh and the provincial government for its valuable support to peace efforts in southern Philippines.
Major General Datu Sheik Mouhsin bin Sheikh, of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces, led his group in thanking Tan for his invaluable support to the government ‘ s peace process.
For his part, Tan – who is seeking re- election in the May polls – also praised the multi- national peacekeepers in risking their lives in preserving peace in the Muslim region. He said the IMT is welcome to Sulu province.
Tan also exchanged tokens with Sheikh. The IMT has been regularly visiting Sulu provincial officials since the time of then Governor Sakur Tan, now the Vice Governor of Sulu and running for governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The IMT was estab- lished in October 2004 and responsible for observing, monitoring, verifying, investigating, and reporting on the enforcement of the Mutual Cessation of Hostilities between the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
It has been in Mindanao since 2004 and made up of Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysian Police officers and supported by army officers from Brunei and the team has been expanded to have personnel from Canada and Japan.