Continued support for people displaced by armed violence in Surigao del Sur

Continued support for people displaced by armed violence in Surigao del Sur  

By ICRC 

Distribution of relief and food assistance to internally displaced peoples (IDPs) affected by the conflict.

Manila (February 22, 2016) – Around 2,400 people displaced in Surigao del Sur received one-month food supplies and hygiene items to help them cope with their displacement since September 2015. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with its primary partner the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), distributed the relief items on 18 February to complement the aid already given by the authorities. 

“Prolonged displacement is a challenge for both the affected families and the authorities. The displaced depend on aid as they still fear going back home,” said Pascal Porchet, head of the ICRC delegation to the Philippines. “We are here to fill in gaps and ensure that the families get adequate support while they remain displaced.” 

The majority of the displaced have been living in the provincial sports complex in Tandag City for over five months now, after three civilians were killed in their community. 

“We have been here since September 1, 2015, and we still fear for our safety,” said Leonila Enriquez of Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga municipality. “We are very grateful to the ICRC for helping us since the early part of the displacement until today,” said the mother of eight children. 

While the general health situation in the sports complex is managed well by the Provincial Health Office, cases of stomach problems and diarrhea were reported. A probable cause is poor hygiene and sanitation in the evacuation center. 

Between September 2015 and January 2016, the ICRC and the PRC already helped 3,500 displaced persons in Surigao del Sur with food, household and medical items, potable water supply, and construction of toilets in the evacuation center. 

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. It has had an established presence in the Philippines for over 60 years and a permanent presence in Mindanao since 1986. 

Army's 2nd Mech Bde hold change of command ceremony for new commander

By Jun Enriquez

Video File: Col. Gilbert I. Gapay CAV (GSC) PA, delivered his farewell message during the change of command ceremony of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City.

     From left-right: Col. Gilbert I. Gapay GSC (CAV) PA; BGen. Edgar F. Gonzales AFP; and Col. William A.      
    Alunday CAV (GSC) PA.

At left, Col. Gapay turnover the Brigade's flag to BGen. Gonzales
(center), then BGen. Gonzales turnoverthe flag to Col. Alunday.

Iligan City (Feb. 15, 2016) – It was one year and two months for Col. Gilbert I. Gapay served as the commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, based in Ma. Cristina, Iligan City. A change of command ceremony was conducted to relieve Gapay from the current post and move to a higher position of his new assignment as the Deputy Commander of the Mechanized Division based in Tarlac. He will be promoted soon to a rank of Brigadier General and expected to be a potential candidate as Division Commander of the Army’s Mechanized Division this year. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1986, received various citation awards from different stakeholders and partners during the ceremony. There were several invited guests from LGU and government officials, CSO Leaders, academe, business, industries, civic clubs, media, among others.

Col. Alunday delivered his acceptance message.

In his farewell message, Col. Gapay said It has been one year and two months since he assumed command in the 2^nd Mechanized “Magbalantay” Brigade and in the course of time he was fortunate to have worked with the team of hardworking, highly competent and very professional officers and decent personnel in accomplishing the overwhelming task and executing missions entrusted to the brigade. Gapay said “We have faced many challenges over the past 14 months but prevailed with the guidance of the Almighty, with the varied talents of the “Magbalantay” troopers.”

Col. Gapay said that the tour of duty along with the expectation he confronted has indeed painful feeling and enlightening experienced as he relearned the many fundaments from his very own men and from the people and the communities that they have served. It was a journey of rediscovering and affirming of the army’s/ soldiers’ versatility and resiliency as they endeavor to fulfill their goals and mandated tasks. Thus for all the accomplishments, all the experiences and victories he extended his thanks foremost the devoted, hardworking to the brave soldiers of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade.

BGen. Gonzales delivered his ceremonial message.

Col. Gapay stressed further that he knew that the job will be overwhelming, however he accepted the task with soldierly commitment and resolve to prevail and be guided by the strategic precepts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan and the Army’s provision road map. He took charge with great faith in the able troops of “Magbalantay” Brigade who have always been up to the task of fulfilling the mandate of serving the people and securing the communities in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, in their march towards peace and progress. Col. Gapay said that in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City have enjoyed relative peace and stability which served as foundations for sustainable socio-economic development. he said “Through these efforts, I am faithful that Lanao del Norte and all of Mindanao will soon see the dawn of peace that secluded our people for so many generations.” Gapay said that with peace he envision further growth and progress in the region meanwhile the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Magbalantay Brigade shall remain your response partner in this vision. Gapay said indeed, “I will be leaving with a heavy heart but I will bring with me fond memories, camaraderie and solidarity.”

Mrs. Gapay, (3rd from left) & Col. Gapay (4th from left) 
with the members of the media & Capt. Doroteo (right).

The new Brigade commander, Col. William A. Alunday, PMA graduate of class 1987, in his acceptance message said, “I believe I am here today by the grace of our God Almighty, who has given me the strength and firm determination all these years. I feel that the best move at this early stage is to build what were initiated and established by my predecessor that is sustaining the primacy of the peace process in our area of operations, in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, revolving around in the intent of the internal peace and security plan and of the Army transformation road map.” Col. Alunday pledged that he will share the vision of the division to be reliable, capable and responsive armor unit. He said it is also imperative that we all work as one, we must pull our talents and work together, initiate align complimentary program that will be beneficial to the people and for this Government. And He will work closely with the LGU, neighboring infantry units, local security counterparts, religious sector, academe, business and civilian sector.

Col. Alunday said “Our plans and programs should be relevant to the needs of those who we serve and support, these will be realized thru continuing dialogues and consultation to the higher headquarters, troop’s on the ground, local leaders and our civilian counterparts.” He said “the coming of the local and national elections, let us all remain neutral to ensure an honest, orderly, peaceful and credible political exercise. I am confident that I will be leading a brigade that is versatile and flexible, firm yet humane, one that is characterized by sensitivity to learn from our experiences, our mistakes and above all able synergize the talents and wisdom everyone has to offer.”

      Bantay Kalilintad (BK) network members awarded the 
      citation Plaque to Col. Gilbert I. Gapay (center). From left-right, 
     Jenny Sanguila of Pakigdait, Musa Sanguila, Director of Pakigdait 

      lead convener of BK, Adona Orquillas, President, Lanao 

      Alliance for Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA) and 

      Jun Enriquez, Managing Director, CSO Forum for Peace 

      (CSO-FP).

Col. Alunday said that the challenge he is facing now is to sustain the Brigade’s gains, enhance the distinct advantage on enemies and maintain the initiatives. He said there is a need to work harder to further improve peace and order condition which is necessary to national development. “We must and we will be prepared and committed to deter defeat any adversary that seeks to deny us the peace, stability and capacity to improve the people of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, and the whole of Mindanao that deserves,” Alunday concluded.

In his message, Brigadier General Edgar F. Gonzales, PMA graduate of class 1984, the presiding officer during the ceremony shared his views about the three significant things during change of command; first, it recognizes and summarizes the achievements of the outgoing commander, second, it opens up windows of opportunities for the outgoing and incoming commanders, third; it gives another energy, vigor and pathway to the unit.

Gen. Gonzales said this turnover ceremony is a memorable event in which the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade changes along with the transfer of unit’s history, traditions and accomplishments. This will serve a new environment to senior officers to demonstrate their flexibility and versatility in carrying out tasks effectively. Gonzales extended his message to Col. Gapay and said, “The unit was able to institutionalize purposing on deterrence posture through active defense in front line detachment and engaging stakeholders, peace advocates. This lead to the notable declaration of Lanao del Norte province as peaceful and ready for further development last Dec 7, 2015. This also proves that IPSP Bayanihan campaign is applicable not only in Central Luzon but also in Mindanao area.”

Gen. Gonzales also extended his message to Col. Alunday and said “I confidently believe in your dedication and professionalism thus the outgoing commander will feel at ease knowing the unit is in good hands. Your experiences as Executive officer, platoon and company commander of Bravo Company 64^th Infantry Battalion, 6^th Infantry Division from 1987 – 1990 and designation as 1^st Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander from 2008 to 2010 kept you to be familiarized and acquainted in some parts of your area of responsibility.” Finally he said, “There is no progress without compromise and no glory without sacrifice.”

Jun Enriquez, Pres. of the Magbalantay Press Corps (MPC);
Manggagawang Media ng Mindanao (MMM) awarded citation
to Col. Gilbert I. Gapay.

Musa Sanguila, Director of the Pakigdait, Inc. and lead convener of the Bantay Kalilintad, a local network of the Bantay Bayanihan, a nationwide network composed of the civil society organizations to function as an oversight counterpart of the IPSP Bayanihan of the military gave plaque citation award to Col. Gapay cited among others, In grateful recognition of his contribution to Peace and Development in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, in the adherence to the ceasefire mechanism and his commitments on the primacy of the GPH-MILF peace process. This included his invaluable support in sustaining the rehabilitation, peace and development for the MNLF members and help settling Clan dispute or “rido” during his tour of duty. This is a great manifestation in the fulfillment of Brigade’s mission, “Guardian of Peace and Partner in Development,” and sincere implementation of the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) – Bayanihan in partnership with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). 

The media also cited, It is a public knowledge that there was no any untoward incidence of conflict escalated in his area of responsibility, by exhausting all preventive measures in peaceful means from the many controversies arises during his tour of duty as Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army. He has also established accessibility of open line communication to all stakeholders of peace, including the Media, to preempt the disinformation campaign and contain provocations from the potential conflict controversies for the protection, safety and security of the civilian populace. It was also cited that Col. Gapay set as a global model of Military leadership towards the whole of nation approach by winning the peace.

Also present during the ceremony was General Demy Tejares, Philippine Army, Deputy commander of the Western Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the predecessor of Col. Gapay. Also present were the four Battalion Commanders under the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, with the presence of the former MNLF leader in Lanao del Norte, together with the representatives from the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Non-violent Peaceforce (NP), an International NGO based in Iligan City, the Local monitoring team (LMT), and other military officers coming from different military units in Mindanao. On the same day, a change  of command ceremony was held for the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion based in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, with Lt. Col. Galileo Jon Goyena CAV (GSC) PA assumed post and replaced Col. Denie Mar Clemencia CAV (GSC) PA, as the new Battalion commander of the said unit. With reports & Photo by Jacmen Macatimbol.

Military prevents disinformation on MILF @Bravo’s movement in Lanao to attend "Tibao"

By Jun Enriquez

Video File: Col. Gilbert I. Gapay (seated center), Commander, 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade, Philippine Army, delivered a message during the press conference dated February 2, 2016, at the Camp of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Bagumbayan, Lanao del Norte. together with Col. Gapay at left is Col. Anthon Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, PA; Col. Denie Mar A. Clemencia, Battalion Commander, 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, PA; Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Battalion Commander, 15th Infantry Battalion, PA; and Lt. Col. Virgilio M. Noora, Battalion Commander, 41st Infantry Battalion, PA. Video by Jun Enriquez

Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (February 2, 2016) – Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, based in Maria Cristina, Iligan City, called up a press conference to address the disinformation from other places that the Military and MILF have already clashed. He said that this press conference will clarify the issue of the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF) @Bravo’s movement to attend “Tibao” or wake on his relatives in Kauswagan and Munai, all of Lanao del Norte. He said that the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and its four (4) Battalions will remain committed in upholding the primacy of the peace process under the mandate of the ceasefire agreement and its mechanisms be strengthened, especially in Lanao del Norte.

Col. Gapay said they are willing to support the economic development packages in developing MILF communities together with the members of the MILF organization. He said they already helped the development efforts of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and likewise will also be done to the brothers of the MILF on the economic track. Peace-building advocacy will continue in partnership with the civil societies to maintain the peace process on track. The temporary impasse and setback of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in congress will not affect in the continued pursuit for peace.

Seated center, Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Commander, 2nd Mechanized
Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade, Philippine Army

In the timeline of events, Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said that on January 28, he had a verbal coordination about the matter with Major Sol, Secretariat of the Government Ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (GPH-CCCH). Gapay said It was followed a verbal coordination on January 30, with Col. Manolo M. Samarita, chairman of the Adhoc joint action group (AHJAG), Lanao del Norte.

On the same day, January 30, 2016, a coordination meeting was conducted with the heads of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) AHJAG and CCCH Lanao, members of the International monitoring team (IMT), Joint Coordination Monitoring Post (JCMP), Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Commander of the 15^th Infantry Battalion (IB) and Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, held at the headquarters of the 2^nd mechanized Infantry Brigade. The subject matter discussed was about the request of Abdullah Macapaar @ Bravo to attend the Muslim wake (Tibao) of his relative Hadji Mominah Moling Asi at Barangay Dilabayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and his relative in Barangay Panggao, Lanao del Norte on 30-31 January 2016.

Col. Gapay said results of the meeting held hosted and presided by the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade was conducted at its headquarters in Iligan City, with the presence of Lt. Col. Doctolero Commanding Officer (CO) of 15^th IB, Local Monitoring Team (LMT) and Lanao del Norte MILF-CCCH-AHJAG, and agreed on the following provisions: The group of Abdullah Macapaar @ Bravo will only utilize four (4) vehicles as convoy which already includes one (1) vehicle from JCMP as guide; The party Abdullah Macapaar @ Bravo will consist of 20 personnel only; The said group will only pass through the Barangay Poblacion - Matampay – Delabayan – Panggao roadnet and vice versa during the visit; All involved MILF members are not authorized to wear MILF uniforms and are not allowed to carry firearms in the engagement areas; The sole purpose of the visit is to attend “Tibao” only. The duration of the visit is from January 30 at 6:30 in the evening until January 31 at 4:00 O’clock in the afternoon.

Lorry Gabule of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) ask
question about the significant number of MILF forces under
Kumander Bravo.

Col. Gapay said that the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade facilitated the safe passage of the convoy and will monitor the entire movement of MILF Kumander Bravo. Government security forces provided area security only and extended necessary assistance. The foregoing arrangement is envisioned to strengthen the confidence building initiative of the government and the MILF and will significantly contribute in keeping the peace process on track.

Col. Gapay said based on the situation report of the 15^th IB, MILF Kumander Bravo has not left the area as of February 1, 2016 at 9:00 O’clock in the morning and conducted a meeting at Sitio Kurakura, Barangay Tamparan, Munai, Lanao del Norte. Likewise @ Bravo and his party intent to leave the area on foot passing by a different route. Per coordination with the head of MILF-CCCH in Lanao, @ Bravo proceeded to Burabura camp Bilal travelling on foot on the night of January 31, which was in conflict with the reported situation by the 15^th IB Commander, Lt. Col. Doctolero and concerned civilians in the area. Likewise, @Bravo and his party were sighted with uniformed and armed MILF elements.

Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo (3rd from right) chat with
the Military officers and CSOs.

Due to the conflicting reports and above cited violations of the agreed provisions, Col. Gapay requested the conduct of Security Patrol address to BGen Glenn G. Macasero, Chairman of the GPH CCCH based in Cotabato city, thru Col. Manolo M. Samarita, head of the GPH-AHJAG Lanao, that the visit of MILF Kumander Bravo has already caused alarm in nearby communities, the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade recommended the conduct of security patrol in the vicinity of Barangays Panggao and Tamparan, Munai, Lanao del Norte to ensure the compliance to the agreed provisions and facilitate the safe passage of @Bravo and his party on their way out going back to camp Bilal.  

Boodle fight ready

Lt. Col. Doctolero clarified the reported rerouting of vehicles to and fro in Munai-Kauswagan route was diverted to Bacolod, Lanao del Norte. There were negative reactions from the community. Doctolero said the rerouting should be done so that the group of @Bravo must be accounted based on agreed protocol. He was hoping that the people will understand the purpose of rerouting for the better security of the people in the area.

Col. Gapay said if they will learn @Bravo still in the vicinity they will exhaust all the peaceful means to make them comply with the agreement and it’s all about the “Tibao”. Gapay said that @Bravo is a good gentleman and warrior and believed to comply with the agreement. He said that on the ground there is ceasefire mechanism, the IMT is keeping of talking to @Bravo, elevate the complaint to the GPH CCCH to come up with a dialogue. Regarding the number of forces of @Bravo there was no significant increase based on information gathered. He said they will continue the security of the communities not to disrupt the peace, keep maintain open line of communication and avoid armed hostilities. Col. Gapay assured the people that the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade is always committed to uphold the primacy of the peace process. Photo by Jun Enriquez

New commander of 1st Mech bde vowed replicate Lanao aims and geared towards peace for Maguindanao

New commander of 1^st Mech bde vowed replicate Lanao aims and geared towards peace for Maguindanao

By Jun Enriquez

Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao (January 27, 2016) – About a month ago, Col. Fel Budiongan, Philippine Army, was assigned as the newly Commander at the 1^st Mechanized Infantry “Maaasahan” Brigade, Philippine Army based here. He is a replacement of the promoted General Gener del Rosario, now assigned in AFP command center, camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Manila. Col. Budongan started his tour of duty in his present assignment on December 28, 2015 and exactly one month to this date. Prior to his assignment in Maguindanao, he was the Deputy Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade based in Iligan City.  Budiongan said that the 1^st Mechanized Brigade is located in a hostile environment in Maguindanao because it is a haven of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

 

Col. Fel Budiongan, Commander, 1st Mechanized Infantry
"Maaasahan" Brigade, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao

Col. Budiongan said that his men in the detachments along the National highway from Cotabato going to General Santos were always harassed by the lawless elements from BIFF but the situation is manageable and controllable. He said that the situation in Maguindanao compared in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City have a big difference. In Lanao del Norte, the people are already capacitated on the awareness in peace-building with the civil society, media and multi-stakeholders united as one with common understanding of peace. The role of the Military in Lanao del Norte is now easily to maintain the gains of peace. Unlike in Maguindanao will still have a lot of things to do to start from the scratch in working for peace. People in the area are suspicious when there is visitor roaming around because they will tag as spy against them. . In the past few days the BIFF attacked the detachments of his men without knowing what really the motive of their attacks.

Col. Budiongan is now started working with the key traditional leaders in communities to establish good relationships among them, the political leaders and media to work for sustainable and lasting peace and development in the area. They became busy at the moment to mediate and establish peace covenants with opposing politicians to maintain peace and order during the election period, come May 9, 2016 elections.

The mantra of the 1^st Mechanized Infantry “Maaasahan” Brigade is “the people’s partner for peace and development in Maguindanao.” Budiongan said that they will continue to work for peace despite the sporadic BIFF attacks however the situation is very manageable. The first important thing they did was to secure the national highway in order for the travellers will freely pass without any burden to transport their business and daily routine of the people. Budiongan said they have only secured 8 municipalities as the area of responsibility (AOR) of the 1^st Mechanized Brigade but the entire Province deployed 4 Brigades. There is a need to deploy more troops in the area to maintain peace and order, and security.

The eight municipalities covered in the AOR of the 1^st Mechanized Brigade are Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Guindulungan, Talitay, Talayan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo and Datu Piang. The most critical area of the eight municipalities is the Gindolungan because it is the haven of the BIFF with most significant in numbers and second critical town is the Datu Salibong. Budiongan said that he already conducted courtesy calls to the chief executives in the eight municipalities and attended the Provincial peace and order council (PPOC) meetings held and presided by Maguindanao Governor Toto Mangudadato.

Col. Budiongan said that the municipal Mayors are very cooperative towards peace and development. He said whenever the Mayors had problems will immediately call for assistance in the Brigade. On the other hand, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) was able to register cooperatives especially the women sector in Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The local government also gave Birth certificates to the constituency because mostly of the people in this town have no birth certificates. The Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom, was working seriously in giving birth certificates because most of the people in Datu Saudi Ampatuan have no birth certificates.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) joint task force with the military and police in the area was able to establish check points, and effectively imposed gun ban started January 10, 2016, led by the Election supervisor Atty. Udtog Tago. The task force will conduct series of meetings and formulate action plan to be implemented during the election period.

Col. Budiongan added that his plan is to replicate in Maguindanao the gains of peace in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City with manifestation of unity among the Civil society, media, military, Police, religious sector and multi-stakeholders to maintain peace and move forward for development, and achieving such goals through the principle of the whole of nation approach under the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He said the Military will served as the catalyst to encourage the people in Maguindanao on exerting efforts to help build peace coming from the traditional leaders, police, local government, Civil society, non-government Organizations (NGOs), peoples organizations(POs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), religious sector and other stakeholders. Photo by Jun Enriquez