Pandami: Army troopers and former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels have joined forces to build a classroom at a remote village in Pandami, Sulu, the military announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, commander of the Army's 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB), shared that troops from the battalion's Alpha Company were actively involved in laying the foundation for the initial construction of a classroom at Ratag Elementary School in Barangay Kabbon. The Alpha Company was further supported by personnel from the Civil-Military Operations Company along with members of the MNLF-Lapak group.
The 104IB operates under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, covering the second district of Sulu. Dalumpines highlighted the significance of education in fostering peace, stating, "Every classroom we build offers hope to children and a brighter future for the community. Through partnerships and genuine service, we strengthen trust and inspire progress in every community we serve."
The collaborative effort was met with appreciation from the local community. Head teacher Darwina Illaji expressed her gratitude to the Army troopers and MNLF members for their significant contributions to the construction of the classroom.
Dalumpines further emphasized that the cooperation between the Army troops and the MNLF in Pandami exemplifies how unity and a shared purpose can effect meaningful change, paving the way for a more peaceful, resilient, and progressive Sulu.
