Tapul Municipality in Sulu Bolsters Community Security with BPAT Responder Training
The island municipality of Tapul in Sulu province has taken a significant step toward enhancing local peace and order through the successful culmination of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) Responders Training. This crucial initiative, which concluded on Sunday, February 8, 2026, saw sixty-five dedicated residents from six different villages graduate as certified community responders.
Collaborative Effort for Grassroots Security
The BPAT Responders Training Class 08-2026 was conducted through a powerful partnership between military units and local government. The 11th Infantry Division (11ID) and the 1102nd Infantry Brigade's 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) worked closely with the municipal government of Tapul to deliver this comprehensive training program. According to military officials, the primary objective was to equip community-based responders with essential skills that would enable them to serve as force multipliers in maintaining peace and order throughout the municipality.
These newly trained BPAT members are now prepared to respond effectively to various emergencies while providing valuable support to established law enforcement and security forces operating in the area. The training represents a strategic approach to security that empowers local residents to take an active role in protecting their own communities.
Ceremony Highlights Commitment to Peace
The completion ceremony, held at the Kalang Covered Court in Kalang village, served as a powerful demonstration of Tapul's ongoing commitment to strengthening grassroots peacekeeping mechanisms. The event brought together key stakeholders from across the community, including military officials, municipal and village leaders, religious representatives, and peace advocates.
Tapul Mayor Nasser Daud Jr., who presided over the ceremony, reaffirmed the municipal government's strong resolve to promote public safety and sustainable peace throughout the municipality. He expressed sincere appreciation to village officials, the religious sector, academic representatives, and security forces for their unity and continued support of peace initiatives.
Leadership Perspectives on Community Empowerment
Mayor Daud emphasized that sustained dialogue and cooperation were fundamental to the successful implementation of the training program. He specifically commended the 104th Infantry Battalion for its consistent engagement with the Tapul community, noting that such partnerships are essential for building trust and effectiveness in local security efforts.
Brigadier General Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, highlighted that the training's success was deeply rooted in the people's genuine willingness to embrace peace. He stressed the important role BPAT members will now play as examples within their respective communities, reminding graduates that they serve as guardians of peace and order who can help prevent conflicts at the grassroots level.
Major General Leonardo Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, lauded the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in the training initiative. He underscored that choosing peace represents a fundamental prerequisite for development and long-term stability in any community. General Peña explained that BPAT members effectively serve as the eyes and ears of their villages by providing timely information to military and police authorities regarding security concerns while acting as first responders during disasters, accidents, and other emergency situations.
Building Resilient Communities Through Unity
The completion of the BPAT Responders Training in Tapul clearly demonstrates the powerful impact of unified action among local government units, community members, and security forces. This collaborative approach creates a foundation for building peaceful, resilient, and empowered communities capable of addressing security challenges through local capacity and partnership.
Tapul, which comprises fifteen villages, is classified as a fifth-class municipality in Sulu province. According to the 2020 census, the town has a population of 20,799 residents who stand to benefit directly from these enhanced peacekeeping capabilities. The successful training represents a model approach to community security that other municipalities might consider adopting as they work to strengthen local peace initiatives throughout the region.
