The Philippine Army has launched the first volume of the “PEACEable Book Series: Sulu,” a publication chronicling the province’s transformation from decades of conflict toward peace and development.
The book series was launched by the Army’s Civil-Military Operations Regiment during a ceremony led by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete at the Kaamulan Convergence Hall in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on July 6, 2026.
The event gathered military leaders, government officials, and peace advocates to recognize the collective efforts that contributed to Sulu’s continuing progress.
Nafarrete was joined by 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña; AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, Maj. Gen. Patricio Ruben P. Amata; former AFP chiefs of staff retired Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana and retired Lt. Gen. Bartolome O. Bacarro; former 11th Infantry Division commander retired Maj. Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio; and Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan.
In his keynote address, Nafarrete highlighted the role of communities, local leaders, government agencies, civil society groups, religious leaders, peace advocates, and security forces in helping transform Sulu into a more peaceful and progressive province.
The book series tells the story of a province that chose unity over division and cooperation over conflict. It also highlights the people and partnerships that helped make peace possible.
“Today, Sulu presents a different story. It is a story shaped by the determination of its people, the commitment of local leaders, the support of national government agencies, the contributions of civil society, religious leaders, peace advocates, and the dedicated men and women in the security sector. Each of them played an important role in building a province where communities could move forward with greater confidence and hope,” Nafarrete said.
The Philippine Army reaffirmed its commitment to the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach in pursuing lasting peace, which it described as the foundation of progress and development in communities once affected by conflict.