Talipao, Sulu – May 20, 2025 — In a continuing effort to promote peace and build resilient communities, the 1101st Infantry (Gagandilan) Brigade, in partnership with the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo, successfully conducted a Youth Leadership Summit focused on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) at the Brigade Headquarters in Bud Bayug, Talipao, Sulu.
The summit, held on May 20, gathered youth participants from various parts of Sulu to take part in interactive learning and team-building sessions designed to foster leadership, unity, and awareness on the threats posed by violent extremism.
COL Yasser R. Bara, MNSA (MI) PA, Deputy Brigade Commander, welcomed the participants to the activity. The summit opened with welcome remarks from LTC Romeo D. Andres, GSC (INF) PA, Brigade Executive Officer, followed by an activity briefing from CPT Cesar S. Gayguer Jr., INF (PA), Civil-Military Operations Officer of the Brigade.
The program included PCVE and MULAT awareness lectures, as well as hands-on activities such as knot tying, basic jungle survival techniques, basic first-aid training, and fun games. These sessions were facilitated by the 15th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, engaging the youth in both educational and skill-building exercises.
To cap off the day, a Catholic Mass was held, attended by the youth and Christian military personnel, reinforcing the summit’s message of peace, interfaith harmony, and community solidarity.
Fr. Ramil Janguin, who led the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo’s participation in the event, emphasized the importance of guiding the youth toward constructive and peaceful roles in society.
The summit aimed to equip young individuals with the knowledge and values needed to resist extremist ideologies, while also strengthening their leadership potential and sense of civic responsibility.
Through initiatives like this, the Philippine Army and its partners continue to invest in youth empowerment as a key pillar in achieving lasting peace and development in Sulu and beyond.