Army to train ‘Bantay Dagat’ members in Sulu
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Close to 400 government militias in the southern Philippine province of Sulu are set to undergo military training as part of a security task force that will help protect marine environment and enforce coastal laws.
The 11th Infantry Division (11ID) will facilitate the training of the Task Force Bantay Dagat which is composed of some 380 Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary members. They will conduct maritime patrol utilizing 95 motorboats, according to Army Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
This was also confirmed by Gov. Sakur Tan on Monday, November 21, saying the task force was jointly launched Saturday, November 19, by the provincial government and the 11ID.
“The task force will work with the security forces to protect the integrity of the territorial waters and marine environment, monitor illegal fishing, provide assistance in rescue operations, and enforce coastal laws,” he said.
Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, acting chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the creation of the task force.
“The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province,” Rojas said.
“Good governance greatly contributed to the gradual change of the province’s image from terrorism to tourism. The establishment of the Task Force Bantay Dagat is a very good initiative to sustain peace in Sulu. Together, let us eliminate the lawless activities in the Sulu waters.”
The formal launching of the task force was also attended by senior defense and security officials led by Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., National
Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Artemio Abu, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11ID Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Bangsamoro regional police chief BGen. John Guyguyon, and local government officials.
Faustino said the Department of Defense will integrate the operations of the task force in its internal defense system to bring about a holistic approach in protecting Sulu. Tan also held a meeting with Faustino’s group and briefed them on the improved peace and order situation in the province.