ILIGAN CITY – Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, led the unveiling of the Symbol of Peace monument at the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Thursday, September 21.
ARMED Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (left) leads the unveiling of the Symbol of Peace monument at the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Wesmincom photo)
The monument is an 18-foot replica of the famous M16 rifle crafted from numerous parts of demilitarized confiscated, captured, surrendered, and recovered (CCSR) firearms which were obtained from the decisive military operations of the different units under the command and control of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
“May this symbol inspire us all to engage in meaningful conversations to dismantle the walls that divide us and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation,” Brawner said as he thanked the brave men and women of the AFP who tirelessly protect the nation.
Western Mindanao Command chief Major Gen. Steve Crespillo and Joint Task Force Central and 6th ID commander Major Gen. Alex Rillera joined the AFP chief in the unveiling of the monument.
The event was also graced by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, representatives from the different ministries of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the military brigade and battalion commanders, stakeholders, and other guests.
Crespillo said that the monument represents the collective efforts of the military, local government units, and stakeholders to win peace in Central Mindanao.
Brawner thanked 6th ID troops for their hard work and dedication which led to the numerous accomplishments of the unit.