Rimba, Jumaat 01 Sept 2006 - A total of ten personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) departed for Mindanao, Southern Philippines this morning on board of the Royal Brunei Air Force CN235 aircraft representing Brunei Darussalam as part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The Chief Guest at this ceremony was the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

The Third Contingent will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Arifin bin Haji Mohd Tarif whom will take over the duty from the Second Contingent that is due to return home to Brunei on Saturday 09 September.

The RBAF IMT will be observing and monitoring the implementation of cessation of hostilities, as well as the socio-economic development aspects of agreements signed between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MILF. Brunei Darussalam has previously involved in several overseas missions either as Peacekeeping and Observing Operations in Cambodia in 1993 and 1998, Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) and Humanitarian Assistance in Banda Aceh in 2005 and Humanitarian Assistance in Yogyakarta in 2006. Thus the participation for Brunei Darussalam in the IMT marks another milestone to the country's contribution to such overseas operation.

In this regard, Commander RBAF during the Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony for the departure of the Third Contingent of RBAF International Monitoring Team on Wednesday, 30 September 2006, in his speech stated that in line with the aspiration of the Defence White Paper, RBAF has moved forward in portraying the nation's responsibility as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN), Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and also as a member of the United Nation (UN). YDM Pehin further explained that this effort is not merely RBAF and Brunei Darussalam's continuous commitment towards peaceful efforts in Mindanao but also a reflection of the confidence and high hopes of relevant parties. YDM Pehin further added that the presence of the monitoring team in Mindanao have succeeded in realizing a stable and peaceful environment enabling the local residence in the provinces to enjoy development and enhancement in economic activities.

The ten RBAF personnel will form one mobile team and will be located at Cotabato City where their monitoring operations will cover the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, and all cities located therein. Their tour of duty will last for 12 months where they shall be accorded privileges and immunities accorded to resident diplomatic representatives. Participation in the monitoring operation portrays Negara Brunei Darussalam's intent to contribute to peace in the area, in line with one of the priorities highlighted in the Defence White Paper 2004 which is supporting the stability of neighbouring states. The 12-month involvement will also provide the much-needed experience and exposure to our personnel in overseas missions.

The third contingent comprises the following :

1. 234 Lt Col Mohd Arifin bin Hj Mohd Tarif
2. 232 Maj Hj Mahadee bin Hj Dollah
3. 310 Maj (L) Romzi bin Hj Abdullah
4. 357 Maj Pg Zamni bin Pg Tajuddin
5. 497 Cpt Muhammad Wata bin Abdullah Awat
6. 622 Cpt Ali Rudimi bin Pg Hj Perudin
7. 639 Cpt Arsahrin bin Hj Ariff
8. 7264 Warren Officer 1 (U) Hj Adis bin Hj Mentarais
9. 9162 Sgt Sa'at bin Hj Sabli
10. 10329 Sgt Mohaini bin Mohamad

Also in attendance at the farewell ceremony were Her Excellency the Ambassador of Republic of the Philippines, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Service Commanders and Commandants, Directors and other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF as well as families of the departing personnel.