COTABATO CITY: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein visited the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team – Mindanao (IMT-M) here during his trip to the southern Philippines yesterday.
Hishammuddin, who was accompanied by Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor; Army Chief General Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim; and Defence Intelligence director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Hussin, was welcomed by IMT-M commander, Datuk Masrani Paiman.
"Never give up, especially in an increasingly complex world," advised Hishammuddin in his speech at the IMT-M headquarters.
The IMT was established in 2004 to help resolve the ongoing strife in Mindanao by ensuring that ceasefire conditions between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were complied with.
The IMT-M’s 37 member team is divided into three main components and joined by Brunei, Indonesia, Japan and the European Union (Germany). Since its formation, the IMT-M has contributed towards improving the situation for the people of Mindanao.
During the event, Hishammuddin also handed out Raya goodies to IMT-M personnel as a token of appreciation from the Malaysian government. -- BERNAMA