The 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has welcomed 37 new lieutenants into its community-based peacebuilding teams. These efforts support the governmentโs ongoing peace initiatives with Moro communities in Central Mindanao.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the 6th ID, announced the new assignments on Friday, January 17. The newly commissioned lieutenants and 100 privates completed their orientation training on Wednesday. The training was held at the 6th Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The new second lieutenants, including seven women, will join various 6th ID units in six provinces. These provinces are Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.
โThey will play a key role in peacekeeping and ensuring safe, honest elections this May,โ Nafarrete said.
Col. Roberto Breboneria and Brig. Gen. Nasser Lidasan led the symbolic rites on Wednesday. The ceremony marked the end of the lieutenantsโ orientation training.
The 6th ID operates in two Bangsamoro provinces, Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City. This region serves as the center of the Bangsamoro government. The division runs various multi-sector peacebuilding programs in these areas.
One major program of the Army in the area involves collecting unlicensed firearms through community dialogues. Another focuses on reintegrating former members of Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters into society.
Lt. Gen. Nafarrete works closely with Presidential Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on these initiatives. Together, they oversee the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program in Central Mindanao.
From July to December 2024, residents surrendered over 600 firearms under the SALW Program. These weapons included assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers. The handover highlighted community support for the governmentโs peace efforts.
