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 2nd
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 2nd
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 |
Col. Gapay said results of the
meeting held hosted and presided by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry
Brigade was conducted at its headquarters in Iligan City, with the presence of Lt.
Col. Doctolero Commanding Officer (CO) of 15th 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 2nd
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 15th 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 15th IB Commander,
Lt. Col. Doctolero and concerned civilians in the area. Likewise, @Bravo and
his party were sighted with uniformed and armed MILF elements.
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 2nd 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.
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.
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