JOLO, Sulu — In a move to strengthen human rights awareness and promote active civic participation, personnel from the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division joined a Human Rights Education Session on Suffrage held at the Notre Dame Review Center in Kasulutan Village, Jolo, Sulu, on April 16, 2025.
The event, organized in partnership with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), focused on deepening the participants’ understanding of suffrage as a fundamental human right and its critical role in sustaining democracy and ensuring inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Representatives from the BHRC underscored their commitment to building a human rights-conscious and empowered Bangsamoro society. They highlighted the right to vote as a cornerstone of democratic participation — allowing citizens to play an active role in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives and communities.
The 11th Infantry Division’s involvement in the session reflects its continuing support for peacebuilding efforts, social justice, and community empowerment in the region. The Division emphasized that promoting human rights through education helps strengthen the foundation of lasting peace and good governance in conflict-affected areas like Sulu.
A total of 60 participants attended the session, including 14 representatives from the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) – Sulu, 20 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), and 26 soldiers from the Philippine Army assigned under the 11th Infantry Division.
Through the training, the soldiers of the 11ID reaffirmed their understanding of civic responsibility and the inherent dignity of every individual, aligning with BHRC’s mission to protect and promote the rights, status, and welfare of the Bangsamoro people — especially women and children.
This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to cultivating a more informed and engaged citizenry, paving the way for a stronger and more inclusive Bangsamoro region.