Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam will be sending an additional four member team for its fourth contingent of army officers to the Philippines this January 15 for a monitoring mission.
The four officers will be joining six others who are already in Mindanao in southern Philippines since September last year to assists the Malaysian-led, 60-member body that oversees the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a Muslim, separatist group there.
Part of the International Monitoring Team for the Philippines, the fresh batch of officers comprises Lt Col Pg Hj Tajuddin Pg Hj Karim, Major Pg Noor Rumaizi Pg Othman, LT (U) Ak Mohd Yusri Pg Sharifuddin and Sargeant Haji Shaipin Haji Abu Bakar.
This was disclosed during a doa selamat ceremony at the Surau of Berakas Garrison yesterday afternoon to bless the team members.
Present as guest of honour was the Royal Brunei Land Forces Commander (RBLF), Col Pg Dato Paduka Haji Rosli Pg Haji Chuchu.
The ceremony began with the recital of the al-Quran by one of the military personnel, followed by mass Asar prayer by the attending RBLF officers and military personnel.
A Surah Yasin was also read during the ceremony, followed by a special prayer for the fourmember team who will be leaving next Tuesday.
Brunei military contingent`s duties will include observing and monitoring the implementation of the cessation of hostilities between the Philippines government and the MILF, along with the socioeconomic development aspects under the agreement.
The ten member team along with the rest of the Malaysian-led troops will form a singular mobile team and will be located at Cotabato City, where their monitoring operations will cover the provinces and cities located therein.
The operation highlights Brunei`s contribution towards regional cooperation, and demonstrates the nation`s support of peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region and provides much-needed experience and exposure for the RBAF personnel in overseas missions, he sultanate`s contribution as part of the IMT has been operating in Mindanao ever since October 2004, after the Philippines government and the MILF signed the ceasefire agreement in July 2003.
Source: www.brudirect.com (12 Januari 2008)
