TALAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, led a Barangay Visitation and Dialogue on August 12, 2025, in Barangay Fukol to discuss inclusive programs for the Teduray communities of Barangay Ahan and Barangay Datalpandan in neighboring Guindulungan.
The activity served as a platform to outline national and local government initiatives aimed at fostering peace, development, and environmental protection in the area. Discussions centered on farm-to-market road construction, reforestation, livelihood support, and peace and order measures.
Key participants included Lt. Col. Robert F. Betita, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Udgie C. Villan, Executive Officer of 601Bde; Shiek Bashir Abdulbayan, Camp Coordinator of Camp Badr; OPAPRU representative Azzedin Ibrahim; MILF-CCCH representative Omar Bayao; Guindulungan Mayor Datu Guiadzali M. Midtimbang; Members of Parliament Froilyn Mendoza and Tawakal B. Midtimbang of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA-BARMM); and Hon. Melanio U. Ulama, former MIPA minister and cooperative chairman of Maguindanao del Sur.
Military officials assured continued coordination with the MILF-CCCH and local communities to safeguard peace in the area. OPAPRU pledged sustainable livelihood programs under the Camp Transformation Program, while MAFAR, in partnership with Camp Badr, continues distributing fruit-bearing trees to support reforestation and community food security.
Mayor Midtimbang emphasized his office’s commitment to improving road infrastructure to boost product transport and community mobility. MP Mendoza expressed full support for livelihood programs and the welfare of Teduray communities, while Ulama urged cooperatives to register with his office to access government assistance at no cost. MP Tawakal Midtimbang thanked the military, MILF-CCCH, and government agencies for listening to community concerns and vowed to help fast-track development projects.
The dialogue was complemented by a medical outreach program jointly conducted by the Guindulungan local government, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and other agencies. Over 300 residents from Barangay Fukol and nearby villages benefited from free circumcision, haircuts, medicines, and rice distribution courtesy of MP Tawakal Midtimbang’s office.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Catu underscored the importance of unity and collaborative action for lasting peace and progress in the Bangsamoro region.
“With the support of various government agencies, we will do our best to address the community’s concerns and achieve true kalilintad or peace,” Catu said. “Through open dialogues like this, we can resolve misunderstandings and maintain harmony in our area.”