Colonel Michael Collanta, executive officer of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade (1103Bde), stressed that lasting peace begins with trust, inclusive dialogue, and strong community partnership. He made the statement while representing the brigade at the Local Mediators' Provincial Summit organized by the Moro Province Organization Council (MPOC) in Sulu on June 24, 2026.
Summit Highlights Commitment to Peace
The participation of the 1103Bde in the summit reaffirms its commitment to sustainable peace and development in the province. Collanta highlighted the importance of strengthening the Coordination Unit in Sulu, enhancing the participation of women and youth mediators, and advancing capacity-building and certification programs. He also emphasized the need for livelihood and reintegration support for conflict-affected families.
Collanta called for the establishment of a Provincial Mediation Center to institutionalize and sustain local conflict resolution efforts. Drawing from the experiences of the 11th Infantry Division and the 1103Bde, he underscored that peace is a shared responsibility that extends beyond security operations.
Community-Based Mechanisms and Empowerment
He stressed the importance of supporting traditional and community-based mechanisms in resolving rido, or clan feuds. Collaboration among local leaders, government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations is essential, he said, as is empowering communities to take an active role in peacebuilding. Collanta also encouraged support for advanced academic studies, including master's and doctoral programs focused on conflict resolution, to cultivate future peace advocates and strengthen evidence-based approaches to sustaining peace.
According to Collanta, the brigade's participation in the summit reflects the Philippine Army's continuing commitment to community-centered peacebuilding and its evolving role as a catalyst for reconciliation, development, and lasting stability in Sulu. He added that the brigade remains steadfast in its mission of securing not only communities but also the foundations of enduring peace for future generations.
