Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. and Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo visited Sulu just the otherday.
Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio welcomed the distinguished visitors during their arrival at Jolo Airport. Secretary Teodro, Jr. and Maj. Gen. Crespillo graced the 633rd founding anniversary of Local Governance and Public Administration in Sulu known as the Bangsa Sug Day.
Highlight of the activity was the presentation of 30 former violent extremists and their surrendered firearms to the Defense Secretary. In his message, Secretary Teodoro, Jr. assured the ASG returnees of the reintegration support of the government.
The Defense Secretary and the WestMinCom Chief also took time to visit and boost the morale of the JTF Sulu troopers at Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Busbus, Jolo, Sulu before heading back to Zamboanga City in the afternoon of the same day. Secretary Teodoro, Jr. had the opportunity to give his guidance to the troops during the briefing at the conference room of the 11th Infantry Division.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Crespillo commended the men and women of Joint Task Force Sulu for their significant accomplishments, especially for defeating the Abu Sayyaf Group, the IS-inspired terror group that emanated in the province of Sulu. “As the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, I am extremely happy to personally witness the transformation of Sulu. Through the concerted efforts of our troops, the local government units, and the peace-loving people of Sulu, we were able to end terrorism, which stalled the development of the province for years. The armed forces will continue to work hard to sustain peace and boost development in the beautiful province of Sulu,” Maj. Gen. Crespillo said.
