CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — General Romeo Brawner, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), called for ‘meaningful conversations’ to end conflict and foster understanding during the unveiling and blessing of the Symbol of Peace on September 21 at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte.
The monument is an eighteen-foot replica of an M-16 crafted from dismantled firearms that were confiscated, captured, recovered or were surrendered to the military as part of its efforts to end violence and proliferation of illegal firearms in the Bangsamoro region.
“May it inspire us all to engage in meaningful conversations to dismantle the walls that divide us and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation. Let us draw strength from the enduring spirit displayed by the men and women who have helped shape our nation’s history,” Brawner said.
Brawner attributed the successful peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro to the whole-of-nation approach and the support of the communities, adding that a purely military solution will only be temporary.
“When all government agencies, the local government, the private sector, and more importantly the peace-inclined groups worked together, we can speed up peace and progress,” Brawner said.
“Let us stand united in our commitment to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. May this symbol of transformation and peace serve as a constant reminder of our responsibility to protect our nation and the very fabric of harmony upon which it is built,” the CSAFP added.
The ceremony was attended by the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr; LtGen Steve Crespillo, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command; MGen Alex Rillera, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division; and other representatives and stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
