The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with American Armed Forces temporarily stationed in Mindanao, brings in development to the province of Basilan with the construction of roads that will benefit communities especially those in remote areas that previously served as lair to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Residents in the area hailed this project of the AFP and the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P), which is deemed to help bring peace and economic growth to the province.

Aside from the residents, local officials led by Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar also joined members of the AFP and the JSOTF-P during the recent ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Tipo-Tipo-Sungkayot-Matata road.

The project is part of a collaborative relationship, combining resources from several military services, including the AFP’s National Development Support Command, First General Construction Company and JSOTF-P.

“I am so happy that this road will be rehabilitated and am grateful for the support of the Filipino and United States (US) forces. We can now move our products closer to the shoreline and this will bring hope to this area,” said Hassim Jawil, a local resident.

On the other hand, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Rear Admiral Alexander Pama said, “The strategic importance of this road cannot be over-emphasized. This is not the first time that our forces and US forces have worked together for humanitarian and engineering projects. We thank our brothers from the US Armed Forces.”

Although JSOTF-P has partnered with AFP on a number of construction projects, this is the first time JSOTF-P is providing the supplies for a road project with the AFP Navy Seabees doing the labor.

Once completed, the road will connect the municipalities of Sumisip, Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan. The two previous projects were school constructions, also located in Sumisip.