IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Philippine Army's 106th Infantry Battalion (106IB) is offering Iftar, the evening meal for Muslims ending their daily Ramadan fast, to 30 mosques throughout Zamboanga Sibugay province. This initiative aims to foster community relations and promote peace in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 106IB, the program commenced on March 12 with a ceremony at a mosque in Poblacion village, Malangas town, where around a hundred Muslim faithful were served. The initiative will extend to 29 other mosques in the province for the duration of Ramadan. Pumbaya emphasized that these efforts are part of the battalion's commitment to maintaining positive relations, enduring peace, and development within their operational area.
The gesture of providing Iftar meals is described as an act of giving that seeks to inspire, strengthen relationships, and express gratitude for life's blessings, particularly peace and unity. This initiative is seen as a step towards fostering goodwill and understanding between the military and the local Muslim communities.
In related developments, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new road project and participated in a medical and dental mission in Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. This area, once a conflict zone and considered a stronghold of guerrilla forces, is undergoing transformation following successful peacekeeping efforts by the 102nd Infantry Brigade, which has led to it being cleared of insurgents. The Army views the road construction as symbolic of the community's healing and ongoing development.