Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu -218 civilian volunteers from the different municipalities in Tawi-Tawi formed part of the first ever Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in the province of Tawi-Tawi in a simple ceremony held at headquarters 2nd Marine Brigade in Barangay Sanga Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on February 2, 2023.
According to Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero, Commandant of the 11th Infantry Division Training School (11th DTS), the 218 CAFGU underwent the 45-Day Basic Military Training (BMT) that prepared them of their roles as peace partners.
“The 11th DTS equipped our civilian volunteers with essential knowledge and skills necessary in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as members of the CAFGU specifically as force multipliers in dealing with internal and external threats,” said Col. Doctolero.
CAA Ebrajul I. Sahi expressed his gratitude to the local government unit of Tawi-Tawi and the military for the opportunity to be part of the security forces and privilege to serve the country.
“Gusto ko po talaga pumasok ng CAFGU, pangarap ko pong maging sundalo ngunit hindi po ako pinalad pero gusto ko po itong gawing stepping stone. Ngayon naintindihan ko na talaga ang trabaho ng mga sundalo at masaya ako na parte na ako sa pagbantay ng seguridad dito sa aming lugar,” CAA Sahid said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of the JTF Sulu and 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, said that the 218 members of CAFGU will further boost the community-based security forces in the province of Tawi-Tawi.
“Kayo ngayon ay pormal nang magiging kabahagi at dagdag pwersa ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at mapahanay sa ating reserve force. Tungkulin ng bawat isa sa atin ang protektahan ang ating inang bayan at kayong lahat na nagtapos ngayon ay naatasan na maging bahagi sa pwersa na ito at kami ay naniniwala na makakaya ninyong maisaayos ang tungkulin na maibibigay sa inyo at magiging magandang halimbawa sa susunod pang mga henerasyon. Kami ay lubos na nagtitiwala sa inyong kakayanan,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.
Maj. Gen. Patrimonio also thanked the local government unit of Tawi-Tawi of their support in the organization and training of the civilian volunteers.
Present during the ceremony were JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander, Brig. Gen. Romeo T. Racadio, JTF Sulu Operations Officer Col. Montano B. Almodovar, other military officials and partner stakeholders. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
