9 RBAF personnel return from Cotabato

NINE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel from the eighth group of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) returned safely home from a tour of duty in the Republic of the Philippines in Cotabato City, Mindanao.

The eighth RBAF IMT contingent arrived at Hangar B Royal Brunei Air Force (TUDB) Base in Rimba yesterday afternoon led by Lt Col Mohd Ismaon Hj Zaini.

Among those returned included Maj (U) Mohd Zulehram Yakub, Maj (L) Samsuddin Hj Bini, Capt Iswandi Hj Osman, Cpt (L) Malek Fadillah PDJLD DSP Hj Kefli, WO2 Jakaria Hj Ismail, WO2 (U) Hazman Abdul Talip, SSgt (L) Shminan Abdullah and SSgt (U) Yusrin Hj Tahir. The eighth IMT left Brunei on September 8, 2011.

During the ceremony recently, RBAF deputy Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah welcomed the contingent along with permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Defence, Service Commanders and Commandants, Directors and senior officers of the RBAF and MinDef as well as families of the contingent.

Lt Col Mohd Ismaon said that the 12 months of monitoring was an unforgettable experience for him and his team.

He went on to say that they have been through many hardship during their tour, but maintained patience and cooperation at all times as it is vital in a challenging environment.

He further said that their arrival for the tour was much welcomed by the team there. Since IMT's establishment, it has saved "thousands of lives" with conflicts lessening and a peace treaty which is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

Lt Col Mohd Ismaon said that he is grateful to return back to Brunei and most especially to his family as he would be able to celebrate Aidil Fitri with them.The Brunei Times