A barangay in Sulu which was formerly a battle ground between security forces and the local terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and had remained deserted for 20 years is slowly reverting to life as projects were launched when some residents returned late last month, according to government troops.
Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and the Army’s 11th Infantry Division and members of the Sulu Provincial Task Force on Ending the Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC), inaugurated over the weekend newly-constructed infrastructure and livelihood projects at Barangay Bakung in Patikul, Sulu following the return of villagers.
Bakung is one of the 11 barangays that were repopulated under the “Balik-Barangay Program” of Sulu on June 17, 2022, according to Patrimonio.
“After almost 20 years as internally displaced Persons (IDPs), we relocated back to this village a total of 118 households. They don’t have any infrastructures and houses because these were destroyed. So, we helped them rebuild their communities,” Patrimonio said.
Bakung was deserted by its villagers after it had become a battleground between the ASG and military forces for 20 years.
Patromonio said a “resilient” community is being built through the concerted efforts of the Sulu PTF-ELAC and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Public Works and soldiers.
“Today, we just inaugurated infrastructures such as Barangay Hall, 2.4 kilometer farm-to-market road, Mosque, learning center, public toilet, water system, streetlights, and egg-laying facilities for their livelihood,” he added.
“As you can see, Barangay Bakung now is a peaceful community,” Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr., commander of the 1103rd Brigade, whose area of responsibility covers the Barangay Bakung, said. “I wish to underscore that this is not a standalone effort of the military, but a product of collaboration and partnership with the provincial government of Sulu, the BARMM, local agencies and the people of Barangay Bakung who are committed [to] bringing lasting peace in their community.”
Village head Hammisa Anuddin was quoted by the military as expressing gratitude.
“Hindi po namin akalain na makakabalik kami savang aming lugar. 20 years po kaming naging IDPs,” she said. [We never thought we would be able to return to our place. We have been IDPs for 20 years.]
“Napakalaking tulong ito sa aming barangay. Ngayon ay masasabi na po namin na isa na kaming komunidad dahil sa mga proyekto at pangkabuhayan na ibinigay ninyo sa amin,” she added. [This is a huge help to our barangay. Now we can say that we are a community because of the projects and livelihood that you have given us.]