RIMBA, Tuesday 25 Sept - Six Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel who are representing Brunei Darussalam to participate in the fourth (4th) group of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) departed for Mindanao, Southern Philippines this morning on board of the Royal Brunei Air Force CN235 aircraft. The departing ceremony was held at the Hangar B Rimba Air Base this morning. 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 4th contingent will take over the duty from the third (3rd) contingent that is due to return home to Brunei tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday 26 September. The 4th contingent comprised of 4 officers and 2 warrant officers namely: 482 Major Haji Rosmandi bin Haji Othman, 452 Captain Haji Hasmin bin Haji Lilah, 623 Captain Sharil Affendi bin Haji Abdullah, 732 Lieutenant Mohd Yusra bin Haji Piut, 8381 Warrant Officer 2 (U) Abu Sufyan bin Haji Metassan and 9869 Warrant Officer 2 (L) Pg Haji Nordin bin Pg Haji Sulaiman.

Like similar operations, the 6 RBAF IMT personnel will be responsible in 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. They will form one mobile team and will be located at Cotabato City where their monitoring operations will cover the provinces and all cities located therein. During their tour of duty, they shall be accorded privileges and immunities accorded to resident diplomatic representatives.

Participating in overseas operation such as IMT marks another milestone to Brunei Darussalam's contribution towards regional cooperation. It portrays the nation's intent in supporting the peace and stability of neighbouring states, as highlighted in the Defence White Paper. This involvement will also provide the much-needed experience and exposure to our personnel in overseas missions.
Also in attendance at the farewell ceremony were Her Excellency the Ambassador of Republic of the Philippines, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Service Commanders and Commandants, Directors and other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF, Philippines Defence Advisor as well as families of the departing personnel.