Historic Martial Arts Training for BPAT Peacekeepers Launches in Sulu
In a groundbreaking initiative for community security, sixty-five members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) from Tapul, Sulu, have embarked on a first-ever 10-day training program in Arnis and Aikido. This pioneering effort, which commenced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, marks a significant milestone in enhancing local peacekeeping capabilities within the province.
Military-Led Training Program Details
The training is being conducted at the covered court of Kalang village in Tapul, with participants drawn from six of the fifteen villages in the municipality, forming Class 08-2026. Leading this initiative is Lieutenant Colonel Roy Dalumpines, commander of the 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB), who is collaborating closely with First Lieutenant Jaythron Dumaga, commander of the battalion's Bravo Company, and First Lieutenant Roylando Garcia, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 104IB.
According to military statements released on Thursday, January 29, 2026, the program aims to:
- Enhance the operational readiness of BPAT members
- Improve their ability to maintain peace and order in communities
- Develop effective response capabilities to various incidents
- Strengthen support for security initiatives at the local level
Strong Local Government Support
The opening ceremony of this historic training attracted significant local leadership participation, with Tapul Mayor Nasser Daud Jr. serving as the keynote speaker. Mayor Daud was joined by an impressive delegation that included:
- Members of the Sangguniang Bayan
- The local police chief
- Village chiefs from all six participating barangays
- Various community stakeholders
Lieutenant Colonel Dalumpines emphasized that this strong turnout underscores the deep commitment of the local government unit (LGU) to supporting peace, security, and development initiatives throughout the municipality. The military commander described the training as representing a historic milestone in community security and capability development for the region.
This comprehensive martial arts training program represents a proactive approach to community policing and security enhancement, combining traditional Filipino martial arts with modern peacekeeping strategies to create more resilient and capable local security forces in Sulu province.
