Military, police, MILF join forces in friendly basketball match

Members of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) participated in a friendly basketball game in Lanao del Sur as they strengthened and reaffirmed their commitment to sustain peace in the community. 

Marking the 13th stage and the 20th in the Bangsamoro region, the Kambollayoka: Peace Basketball Game series was held in Madamba town over the weekend. 

As per its standard rules, each basketball team consists of two soldiers, two MILF members, and one police officer. This format ensures that camaraderie and coordination among the three groups are formed while they play.

“Kambollayoka is more than just a game. In fact, in Piagapo, this event paved the way for soldiers, police, and MILF members in the area to finally talk to each other and address their concerns for the betterment of their community,” Col. Billy Dela Rosa, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said. 

 The Kambollayoka in Madamba marks the final game of the series. The winning teams from the 13 municipalities will now compete in the semi-finals in Marawi City to determine the top players for the finals.

“Kambollayoka is a term we coined, meaning playing basketball (kambola) as friends (layok). We have seen how it has opened doors for communication between the three groups. In shaa Allah, we will continue implementing this in other provinces of BARMM,” United States Institute of Peace (USIP) Country Director Dr. Haroro Ingram said. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News