​PHILIPPINES, Thursday 16 June 2016 - Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces conducted a three-day duty tour to Manila to have a closer look at the progress of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao, the Republic of Philippines.

Accompanying the commander were Yang Mulia Dato Seri Pahlawan Hj Mohd Jammy bin Hj Muhd Shah Al-Islam, Police Commissioner Royal Brunei Police Force as well as officers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

During the visit, Commander RBAF and delegation made a courtesy call to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Rear Admiral Allan Bautista Rosal, at the General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Most notably in the discussion was that both countries are satisfied with the strong relationships that had been fostered for a very long time.

Upon arrival in Awang Airport, Cotabato City, Commander RBAF received a General Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour from the 6th Infantry Division. Also receiving the commander was the Commander of 6th Infantry Division, Major General Edmundo R Pangilinan and other senior officers from the 6th Infantry Division.

Commander RBAF and delegation paid a visit to IMT Headquarters for a courtesy call with the IMT Head of Mission, Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain, Malaysian Armed Forces, at the IMT Headquarters.  The delegation members were introduced to the IMT members and were updated on the latest situation in Mindanao.

From the IMT Headquarters, the delegation then proceeded to visit the Grand Mosque where they were welcomed by Former Congressman Didagen Dilangalen and Ustaz Nhorul-am Abdullah, Committee of Da’wah and Masjid Affairs, Cotabato City.

The delegation then met with the Brunei Darussalam IMT Contingent at Team Site 1 and were given a situational update brief by the Brunei Head of Contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Azman bin Haji Bangkol.  The Brunei Contingent IMT-12 comprises eight RBAF and one RBPF personnel, deployed for the Peace Monitoring Mission in Mindanao since September 2015.  

The Commander RBAF, CP RBPF and delegation had the opportunity to have Iftar and perform Taraweeh prayer and Suhoor with the Brunei Contingent before departing to Brunei Darussalam the next day.

Throughout the 12th year of deploying Brunei Darussalam uniformed personnel to IMT since 2004, Brunei Darussalam continues to commit in providing assistance towards peace and stability in the region. The IMT mission has provided substantial operational experience for both the RBAF and RBPF. To date RBAF has sent 130 personnel to Mindanao for the peace monitoring mission.