The Philippine Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) has taken a significant step towards fostering community harmony in Basilan province. The unit successfully conducted a Masjid Outreach and Solidarity Program (MOSP) in Mahatalang village, located within the municipality of Sumisip, on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Building Bridges Through Faith and Fun
According to a statement released by the battalion on Tuesday, January 13, the core mission of the initiative was to enhance goodwill, unity, and cooperation between military personnel and local residents. This was achieved through faith-sensitive engagement and a series of inclusive activities designed to connect with the community on a personal level.
A key component of the program focused on the village's youth. Soldiers organized a children's activity that featured the distribution of coloring books and toys. This was followed by a session of fun games and interactive engagements, bringing joy to the young participants.
A Collaborative Effort for the Youth
The distribution of educational materials and playthings was not done in isolation. The 32IB worked in close coordination with Mahatalang Elementary School principal, Nuraida Sulaiman Sandamon. Teachers and students from the school were also actively involved in ensuring the activity's success, highlighting a partnership that extends beyond the military.
A Symbolic Turnover for Unity and Nation-Building
The program reached a poignant climax with a ceremonial flag turnover. The battalion formally presented the Philippine Flag and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Flag to Mahatalang Elementary School. This act served as a powerful symbol of unity, mutual respect, and the shared responsibility all parties hold in advancing peace and national development in the region.
Spearheading the impactful outreach were First Lieutenant Nigel Brix Binohlan, the acting Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 32IB, and Second Lieutenant Kimpee Puhay, the Platoon Leader of the battalion's Bravo Company. Their leadership ensured the event's objectives of solidarity and cooperation were meaningfully met.
