TROOPERS, MORO FIGHTERS CLASH ANEW THROUGH SPORTSFEST

MAS N. YAHYA

December 5, 2018

ILIGAN CITY: The Army and Moro fighters clashed anew but not by arms and bullets, rather through sports competition.

200 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters clashed with 102nd Infantry Brigade troopers of the 1st Infantry Division in a sportsfest held at 102nd Brigade HQs in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday.

"The dual meet aims to unite MNLF and 102nd Brigade as partners in bringing peace and development in our area of responsibility, said Col Bagnus Gaerlan, Brigade Commander in a statement.

The MNLF fighters with their families came from fourteen municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay and three from Zamboanga del Norte.

"The revolution started in 1968, then comes martial law in 1972 that puts our country in chaos and it has to end," said Hadji Abdullah Usman, Admiral Commander, MNLF.

"We must unite in bringing peace and prosperity in our country,"he added.

The event started with a short program, followed by fun and ball games that includes raising of team's banner, tug of war, obstacle course, basketball and volleyball.

"The focus in winning the peace is an acknowledgement that partnership with peace-inclined group is significant in achieving the endeavor," said Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division Commander. (With story from Tabak-DPAO/RSP)