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Nine of the nation's finest Royal Brunei Armed Forces officers departed for Mindanao to continue the Sultanate's commitment to monitor the peace process in the Philippines.
The nine personnel will form a part of the seventh International Monitoring Team (IMT) mission to oversee the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Their deployment forms part of Brunei Darussalam's commitment to regional cooperation and to providing support assistance and stability of neighbouring states.
The contingent is led by Lt Col Hasmee Hj Abdul Wahab. Team members are Maj (U) Amiruddin Hj Tuah, Maj Abdul Mutalip Bujang, Cpt Norranellwi Saeran, Suhaili Hj Mail, Abd Rahman Hj Jambol, Saidi Hj Tudin, Sgt Sufri Saidin and Md Suni Hj Mahmod.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the nine soldiers will form one mobile team and will be stationed in Cotabato City, Philippines.
They will be responsible for observing and monitoring the implementation of the cessation of hostilities there, as well as agreements signed between government soldiers and the MILF.
The RBAF team will be extended privileges and immunities by resident diplomatic representatives during their one-year duty.
"The involvement of the RBAF personnel within the IMT also provides the contingent with much-needed experience and exposure in overseas missions," a statement from the Ministry of Defence read.
Prior to their departure, the soldiers were given an official send-off at a ceremony held at Hangar B of the Royal Brunei Air Force Base in Rimba.
Present to attach official IMT armbands on each personnel was Deputy Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat.
Also in attendance at the farewell ceremony were RBAF Commander Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, representatives from the Philippine Embassy and the Malaysian High Commission, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence Hj Saifulbahri Hj Mansor, and other senior officials.
The ceremony was also witnessed by senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, RBAF officers, and family members of the personnel.
Earlier this week, a doa selamat was held to bless the safety departure of the officers and personnel involved while seeking their prosperity in carrying out their duties in the mission.
The Brunei Times