Coinciding with the International Day of Peace, the role of the men and women in uniform in peacebuilding was recognized by the Rotary International District 3830 during the Peace One Day Forum 2023 on September 21 at the Asia Pacific College, Makati City.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines joined the Rotary-initiated forum which focused on the Quest for a Hopeful and Peaceful World and provided an in-depth understanding of the country's current peace and security landscape. It also serves as a call to action for law enforcement bodies and the community to collectively work together in promoting peace amidst challenges./// (Photo by PO3 Viluan Ret/PAOAFP)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), called for ‘meaningful conversations’ to end conflict and foster understanding during the unveiling and blessing of the Symbol of Peace on September 21 at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte.

The monument is an eighteen-foot replica of an M-16 crafted from dismantled firearms that were confiscated, captured, recovered or were surrendered to the military as part of its efforts to end violence and proliferation of illegal firearms in the Bangsamoro region.

BRP JOSE RIZAL (FF150), HMCS OTTAWA, NRU ASTERIX, and CESSNA 353 from Naval Air Wing - Philippine Fleet carried out series of drills on September 19, 2023. They practiced various maneuvers, including DIVTACS, Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Approaches, and Photo exercises. 

The interaction was highlighted by a  Passing Exercise to bid farewell to the visiting vessels. The Philippine Navy extends this custom to all foreign navies during their goodwill visit as a gesture of courtesy and respect.

(Story and Photo by:  BRP Jose Rizal FF150 - PF)

On September 19, 2023, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and other law enforcement organizations successfully rescued 123 people from becoming victims of human trafficking on Tubalubac Island in Pangutaran, Sulu. Additionally, the operation resulted in the recovery of war materials and illegal drugs

The rescued trafficking victims were handed over to Ministry of Social Services and Development-BARMM (MSSD-BARMM) for documentation and assistance. The seized evidence was taken to CIDG Sulu-PFU for documentation and proper handling. Reports reveal that most of the rescued victims were from Cebu and Bohol, and they were forced to do difficult labor in spearfishing while being compelled to consume illegal drugs, specifically shabu, to cope with their difficult work conditions.

(Story and Photo by: Naval Forces Western Mindanao)