Military overrun Maute camp in Piagapo complex

Video File: Press Conference with BGen Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, AFP, Division Commander, 1st "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army, Pulacan, labangan, Zamboanga del Sur

L-R: LTC Jo-Ar A. Herrera, BGen Nixon C. Fortes, LDS Vice Gov. Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong, BGen  Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, BGen William A. Alunday, Mayor Ali Sumandar, Piagapo, LDS.

Iligan City - In a press conference, facilitated by Lt. Col. Jo-Ar A. Herrera, Spokesperson of Ist Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army, relative to the Military encounter with the Maute group in Piagapo complex, Piagapo Lanao del Sur, was hosted by Brigadier General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, held April 24, 2017 at the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade, Philippine Army, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City. Other guests enjoined the press conference were Brigadier General Nixon C. Fortes, AFP, Commander of the 103^rd Brigade Philippine Army, based in Kampo Ranaw, Marawi City; Vice Governor Mamintal “Bombit Adiong of Lanao del Sur; Brigadier General Willliam A. Alunday, AFP, Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, based in Ma. Cristina, Iligan City and Mayor Ali Sumandar of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

There were 162 members of local terrorist group (LTG), who were members of the Maute group, sighted in Piagapo complex, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, triggered tactical focused military operations started on the midnight of April 21, 2017 by the combined elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Airforce. This military focused operation is in line with the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to destroy the terrorists groups not later than July 31, 2017.

In the frontline, the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army headed by Brigadier General (BGen) Nixon C. Fortes, AFP, reported 36 members of the Maute group were killed during the 3 days combat operations, which led to the seizure and occupation of enemy’s main camp with fortified bunkers, fighting positions, and running trenches at Sitio Pagalungan, Brgy Gacap, Municipality of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. Whereas, the government forces sustained 3 wounded in action (WIA) caused by shrapnel and bullet wound.

War paraphernalia of Maute recovered by military.

BGeN Fortes said that the focused military operation started in late January 2017 in Butig, Lanao del Sur and lasted for more a month. they gathered information that the Maute group were looking new places for the new place for encampment because they are no longer safe in Butig. They chose Piagapo as their new haven and believing mistakenly that they won the support of the community but instead the community seek support from the military. Fortes said the Maute group can run but they cannot hide against the military.

There was one cadaver wearing camouflage uniform recovered during the initial search. Various war materials were recovered in the encounter site such as fragmentation and rifle grenades; improvised explosive device (IED) components like blasting caps, detonating wire, and cellphones; video camera; assorted uniforms, literature’ and identifications of personalities; three (3) motorcycles; food stuffs; and passport of an Indonesian national.

BGen Bautista recounted that combination of lethal and non-lethal effects were implemented to force the LTG out of its current stronghold and compelled them to break into smaller groups. Bautista added that the application of proportionate force such as surgical airstrikes with precisions was to avoid collateral damage towards non-combatants.

Some observations from the civilian community in Piagapo said that the alleged dropped bombs during the air attacked contain toxic chemical gas.

Lt. Col. Audie Mongao (center) interviewed by the media.

The recruitment of teenagers with ages 11 to 15 years olds conducted by LTG at Barangay Tambo and the establishment of their camp near their village at the boundary of Balindong and Piagapo towns forced the communities to coordinate and reported the LTG activities to the military. Bautista added that the focused military operation is paid tribute to the children to prevent them to be recruited by any of the terrorist groups.

Reports gathered from civilians in Piagapo said that after their prayer in Masjid they will be hold up by force by the Maute group inside the building to take their oath even against their will before they can leave the Masjid. The oath taking will not be understood that they are already members of the Maute but they have no choice to take their hands up because their safety is at stake same as they were hostage inside the Masjid. They will only be freed upon after the oath taking.  

“The Government forces, Local Government Units, and communities will continue to work hand in hand to thwart banditry and terroristic activities and ensure security, peace and development in Piagapo and adjacent municipalities,” BGEN Bautista said.

Tabak firing range Funshoot for R-4 rifle familiarization.

Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong said the provincial government of Lanao del Sur had exerted all efforts and extended assistance on the basic needs to help the affected and displaced peoples of the conflict in Butig and now in Piagapo. He said that rights of the Muslims in Mindanao was already negotiated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the Government. The Duterte Administration continued the Bangsamoro peace process inclusive to all Moro fronts in Mindanao including the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) within the Bangsamoro.

Adiong said that the Provincial Government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Region XII and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) provided assistance on relief goods to the internally displaced peoples (IDPs) in Piagapo. They gave relief goods assistance and supplies almost daily.

Confirmed bulls eye.

Mayor Ali Sumandar of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur said the IDPs especially in Pagalungan were evacuated to safer place. Sumandar confirmed the relief goods and supplies were being received by the IDPs coming from the provincial government, DSWD-Region XII and ARMM including the assistance coming from Congressman Hooky Adiong.

Sumandar said there were 195 displaced families equivalent to 2,533 individuals from the Barangays Gacap, Tambo, Pagalungan and Tapukan. There were 69 displaced families equivalent to 397 individuals in Barangay Balindong. All these internally displaced peoples (IDPs) are now temporarily confined in the respective evacuation centers in Piagapo.

BGen William A. Alunday said so far there was no related incidents of spillover of the Maute terroristic activities in his area of responsibility in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. Alunday said that they were able to tighten security by conducting checkpoints along the road in the exit-entrance especially in Iligan City in coordination with the Police force and the community as force multipliers. Alunday said that there is a need to collaborate at all times among the military, Police and the civilian community for security purposes because security is everybody’s concern. Lt. Col. Audie Mongao, Commander of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Salvador, Lanao del Norte, confirmed reports of no untoward incidents of terrorist activities in his area of responsibility.

BGen Bautista ended a statement said the continued collaboration and partnership with the Military, Local government units ((LGUs), interagency law enforcement operations with the Police and with the help of the populace in fighting against terrorism will prevent the LTGs banditry, criminal activities, and diversionary attacks against the government and civilian communities. with reports and photos by Jun Enriquez; some photos courtesy from teamtabak.com

People strongly endorse Atty. Franklin M. Quijano to serve as DILG Secretary

Atty. Franklin M. Quijano

Iligan City - Atty. Franklin M. Quijano or called by his friends FMQ, rooted from Lanao, born in Dansalan now Marawi City in 1955 and grown up in Iligan City where he gained his scholarship education in Iligan City and Cebu City and garnered scholastic achievements and awards. He can speak fluent Maranao but he speaks more in Bisaya and a little Lumad Higaonon dialect, a tri-people by himself. He is a Christian Roman Catholic faithful but a liberal thinker on interfaith. A practicing Lawyer, and Economist and a Professor in San Carlos University, Cebu City.

 

FMQ (right) with President Duterte (left)

As a politician, he was first elected into office as the number one city councilor of Iligan City in 1988-1992 and later on elected as the City Mayor of Iligan City in 1998 for two terms until 2004. He is a politician consistent in good governance practices guided on key principles on transparency and accountability. During his term he was adjudged, “The 2002 Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines, Local Government Leadership Award.”

Quijano became the Chairperson of Cagayan – Iligan Corridor (CIC), the coordinative body of the government in charge in the resolutions and project endorsements of the Laguindingan Airport as well as the Panguil Bay Bridge and other government initiated projects and infrastructures. He was also the Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) XII, responsible on the strong endorsement for the completion of important infrastructures including the Iligan- Bukidnon road and the Malabang – Tucoran – Pagadian road projects as well as other government projects and infrastructures.

As a peace advocate and peacebuilder, Quijano supported the inclusive Bangsamoro peace process within the civil society groups for the lasting peace in Mindanao. Activist in civil society peace advocacy by introducing the open space technology in conducting plannings and meetings. He conducted several conflict resolutions on “rido” among the Moro tribes in Lanao region and the Lumad Higaonon tribe in Rogongon and adjacent hinterlad Barangays in Iligan City, including the Christians communities on multi-dimensional approach with cultural sensitivity conflict transformation and management into peace.

As Negotiator, Quijano is the Chairperson of the GRP Peace Negotiating Panel for Talks with RPM-M (2003-present); Chairperson, JEMC (Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee) implementing the RPMP-RPA-ABB Peace Agreement (2006-present)

As a statesman, Quijano is currently the Consultant to the Office of the President since August 2016 to present. He is a Consultant to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) since August 2016 to present. He was the Resource Person of the NATO Officers in the Federal Republic of Germany, re Conflict Transformation conducted on November 2, 2015 to November 12, 2015. A  Resource Person on Conflict Transformation Workshop for Civil Servants in eight (8) States and Regions in Myanmar conducted on May 2014 to January 2015 and Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (An INGO based in Siem Reap, Cambodia).

Quijnao is the Regional Party Chairman of the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP)-LABAN for Region X and during the 2016 Presidential Elections, he was able to deliver the winning votes in landslide for Mayor Duterte of Davao City now the President of the Republic of the Philippines. He is a staunch advocate for the shift to Federalism one of the priority political agendas of President Duterte.

 

FMQ flocked with supporters

Quijano has the ability to orchestrate and coordinate multi-culture environment at appropriate times. He has the capacity to formulate plans, policies and programs for the department that can meet the requirements of the interior particularly the public safety and security sector as well as the empowerment of the local government units.

The multi-sectoral civil society groups including the media group and political leaders endorsed Atty. Franklin M. Quijano for position as the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to work with President Duterte in the Cabinet.

Quijano expressed his thanks to the strong support for the ambition of the people for him to serve as DILG Secretary. In his comment said he is ready to take the challenge but it’s up for President Duterte to give him the position or any position the President desires. He said the most important for the appointees will implement the marching orders of the President because from time to time President Duterte will come out with marching orders to serve the people effectively. He said presently, the marching orders of the President focused on anti-drug campaign, anti-corruption, anti-criminality, anti-terrorism including the campaign on Federalism. He said the DILG is the frontline in government service to implement almost all deliverables in the government.  

Atty. Franklin M. Quijano was called by many a man of discipline, integrity, civil servant, peacebuilder, educator, achiever and good politik practitioner. A highly qualified person fit to serve in the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as DILG Secretary. Reports by Jun Enriquez, photo courtesy from FB.

81st Tabak anniversary Media fellowship

Video file: Sequence of Speakers are Lt. Col. Jo-Ar A. Herrera, spokesperson of 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army; Col. Cirilo P. Donato, Jr. Assistant Division (Tabak) Commander. Video Production by F4P.TV

===================================

Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur - A Media fellowship conducted on April 22, 2017 was the opening salvo of the 81st Anniversary of 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army (PA), based in Kuta Major Cesar L Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, celebrates its 81st Founding Anniversary with a theme “Team Tabak: Kaagapay tungo sa Inaasam na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, held at the Officers Clubhouse 1ID, PA.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar A. Herrera, spokesperson of 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, said the purpose of the media fellowship is to establish good relations between the media and Tabak Division and create relations on a face-to-face engagement. He said this activity is part of the 81^st Anniversary of Tabak Divison one of the kick-off activities together with the medical mission for “care lip” operations with 70 beneficiaries from Zamboanga peninsula and Lanao region.

Herrera was formerly assigned in civil relations with two years experienced in radio, TV and internet. During this period they conducted series of workshops with the media in radios and televisions and it was realized that there are plenty of radio and TV stations in Zamboanga peninsula. He said the role of media is vital to peace and development.

Col. Cirilo P. Donato, Jr. Assistant Division (Tabak) Commander in a press conference representing Brigadier General Rolando Joselito Bautista, AFP, who was not around due to some other equal commitment said, they were given timeframe to finish the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in 6 months. He recounted since he was still a 2^nd Lieutenant until now nearly to retire the problem still exists. As to the Maute terrorist group, he said they received no update coming from the ground. However, he said they have conducted continued operations to prevent the maute group from escalating. He said the people in the community wanted to end the problem but there are group of people also wanted the problem to continue but gave no details.

Donato said the role of the media is very important to tell the real score of what the military is doing, the LGU, the National agencies, NGOs, GOs and the community, of what are their contributions to end the problem. Donato said there must be cooperation among the civilians and the security sector to solve the problem on terrorism. He said the military only received few reports to identify their enemy. It needs cooperation from the community to fight against terrorism to solve the problem faster. He said it is best to receive many reports from the community to pinpoint the whereabouts of the enemy. He added if only few will cooperate, the terrorist will come gradually and immerse in urban centers and create more violence against the community.

Regarding the abducted military by the ASG in Sulu last month is an MNLF integree and reports received was already executed, Donato said. He said they received reports of the rumor that ASG leader Esnilon Japilon was in Butig, Lanao del Sur and roaming around some places in Lanao del Norte but no reports confirming his identity and see him in person.

Donato indeed the military strengthen its capacity to acquire new model of a US made rifle called R4 carbine to be issued first to the military elements in the frontline and later on to the elements in the headquarters. He reiterated in his message that all security problems in the country can be solved easily with the help of everybody. Reports & photos by Jun Enriquez.

IBS-CPCS launch a book for the Bangsamoro "Peace is for Everyone"

Video file: The Sequence of Speakers, Prof. Abhoud Sayed Lingga, Executive Director, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies; Dr. Habib W. Macaayong, President, Mindanao State University; Dr. Emma Leslie, Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies; Prof. Abulkhair Alonto, Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority; Mr. Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman, Bangasamoro Transition Commission. The singing artist is "Ka Musa Sanguila".

-------------------------------------------------------

Marawi City – campaign for peace will not end for the just and lasting peace for Mindanao. The Bangsamoro and non-Bangsamoro people gathered together at the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus, Marawi City on July 12, 2016, launched the book, “Peace is for Everyone”, a Bangsamoro stories of Hope, Survival, Pain and Resilience.

Prof. Abhoud Sayed Lingga, Executive Director, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), the main author of the book, said reconciliation will start somewhere and it should start with acceptance of everybody that the Bangsamoro have a narrative to tell, this book “ Peace is for Everyone” is only the beginning. The narrative of the Bangsamoro is not for the Bangsamoro to take revenge but only to make people realize that we have stories to tell and these stories are real and accept it.

Dr. Habib W. Macaayong, President, Mindanao State University The Book “Peace for Everyone” is well written. It accounts the past experienced of the Bangsamoro people in war or in cold war between the Government forces and the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters. Bangsamoro are peace loving people but if they are push to the wall accuse of committing injustice they will fight. He said the book is very significant. He said President Duterte expressed support for the success of the new BBL. He is hoping for the best for the Bangsamoro

Dr. Emma Leslie, Executive Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), an Australian-Cambodian based in Cambodia, assisted the writing of the book said “this book ‘Peace is for Everyone’ is a representation of who you are (Bangsamoro). She said the book brings together the stories of 300 men and women in Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi , and the Cities of Marawi, Iligan, Coatabato and Isabela.”

Leslie said this accounts will not only told to places where they happened. This need be told in Manila, Luzon and in the Visayas so that all Filipino people can understand what is this been about. She said the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies is working on Conflict Transformation and Peace with Justice is always their agenda. This book is an intervention, it is a mechanism and a tool for dialogue.

Prof. Abulkhair Alonto, Secretary, Mindanao Development Authority The book “Peace is for Everyone’  the Bangsamoro stories hope, survival, pain and resilience and narrative of the Bangsamoro. He congratulated Prof Abhoud Sayed Lingga for taking a very constructive of documenting the Bangsamoro experienced containing his efforts of written the history of the Bangsamoro revolution.

Alonto was a member of the Top 90 highly trained freedom fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the early of 1970’s that most of them came from the MSU main campus, Marawi City. He described the Moro struggle during the Spanish colonizers for almost 330 years and the word Moro is a Muslim that unites all the Muslim tribes in South Archipelago. The GPH-MILF Comprehensive of the Bangsamoro in 2014, all the 13 Muslim tribes in the Philippines is singularly called “Bangsamoro” and he extended thanks to the MILF.

Mr. Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman, Bangasamoro Transition Commission The captures the essence of establishing peace is for everyone to end bloodshed in Mindanao. He said the way of peace is the only way to move forward for everyone of us. The Bangsamoro were at war for more than 300 years against the Spaniards, 50 years against the Americans, 5 years against the Japanese and the combined Ilaga and government troops from 1972 and practically until today.

Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have provided the foundation of real and genuine peace with justice, but the 16^th congress failed to pass the BBL for the Bangsamoro people. The BBL is a dose of medicine designed to address the history of injustice committed against the Bangsamoro people. He said peace without justice then there will be no peace.

Iqbal said under the Duterte Administration there is a renewed hope for peace he made a campaign promise he will see to it to pass the BBL as a model for Federalism in this country. Reports & video poduction by Jun Enriquez.

VSO Phils. launch International volunteering mission

Video: Returned  Filipino Volunteers/ Experts Information Sharing

Davao City – Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)Philippines is a volunteer sending Institution to other countries that need Filipino experts for peace and development. The VSO Phils, headed by Ms. Maloy Tiongson and with Ms. Arlene Mahinay, Head of Country program, launched International Volunteering Conference on March 25, 2017, at Brokenshire resort and convention center, Davao City. The theme for VSO volunteering is "Changed Lives-Including your own". It inspires people transforming lives, understands that change happens because volunteers can make it happen. Volunteering will have matching skills to where they're most needed. 

VSO works in over 25 countries in Asia and Africa. in each location, its country offices work with local partner organizations and communities to identify solutions which will have a lasting and sustainable impact. Each volunteer placement is designed to contribute solutions. Placements with VSO partners are carefully defined to meet local needs, each one will have specific requirements, however, all of its partners are looking for at least two years relevant professional experience, depending on the role they take; a professional qualification and registration; experience in mentoring, supervising and managing others; and strong communication skills. 

Priorities for the volunteering as of now is the overseas volunteering opportunities for healthcare professionals because healthcare volunteers are incredibly important to VSO's development work and ill health that prevents people fulfilling their potential. Their placements aims to break the cycle of poverty. For more information and details, just visit their website, www.vsointernational.org. Video production by F4P.TV/Jun Enriquez

Pailig-DepEd Develops education program for Higaonon

Video production by forum4peace.tv

Rogongon, Iligan City - In a graduation ceremony of the School of living tradition (SLT), a development program of Pailig Development Foundation, Inc. (PDFI) for the Higaonon tribe and the inclusive education program of the Department of Education (DepEd) for the Indigenous peoples (IPs) in Rogongon was held on April 5, 2017 at Sitio Kianibong Elementary School. The land area for the school to at least three hectares was donated by the Soong clan. The school implemented the educational system up to grade 3 and will open for grade 4 on next year’s class opening.

 

Higaonon girls rendered Higaonon song

Mr. Roberto “Bob” Quijano, Managing Director of the PDFI said that the IPs education development project is a joint venture of the PDFI and DepEd. He said the purpose of the project is to advocate and strengthen the traditional practices of Higaonon culture to gain understanding and respect among the Higaonon tribe as well as with other tribes.

Datu Trining Sisayan, Higaonon and the head of the para-teachers of the SLT said together with other Datu para-teachers said that they taught the children on traditional practices such as the traditional laws and customary laws, rituals to strengthen the Higaonon tribe to exist. Sultan Magadapa Macauyag, Sultan of Bayug for the Moro and Datu Batara of the Higaonon and one of the para-teachers of the SLT education said that his line of topic was to teach the Higanon children about the Higaonon identity because plenty of the Higaonon children doesn’t know to appreciate their culture and tradition and it will endanger the tribe to perish in the future. Datu Paulino Guicanan, a para-teacher taught history of the Higaonon started before the coming of the Spaniards and current situation. Datu Diacat, also a para-teacher said he taught the methods of indigenous organic farming to protect and preserve the environment of their Ancestral domain in Rogongon.

 

Higaonon war dance

One of the parents, Medina C. Soong expressed her thanks to PDFI and DepEd because their children have acquired plenty of learnings on SLT and DepEd inclusive education program. Grade 3 student Karen G. Sisayan in a Higaonon dialect said she learned many things in school not only in the classroom for the regular class by DEpEd teachers but also the traditional learning on herbal medicine, history of the Higaonon, the conduct of ritual, traditional organic farming and lectures using the Higaonon language. The DepEd teachers also used Higaonon dialect during lectures.

Dr. Riza R. Nicor, gave pep talk to children

Dr. Riza R. Nicor, School Principal 1 of the Digkilaan Central School, attended the ceremony said the graduation activity is unique because it’s a combination of two ways of learning, the inclusive education of the DepEd and the SLT education of PDFI for the Higaonon. She observed that the parents are very supportive to their children. There are only two school teachers but they performed their job well. The para-teachers, the Datus from the Higaonon tribe taught the children to strengthen their culture and tradition. She extend her thanks to the partnership of the DepEd and the PDFI.

 

Dr. Avemar T. Gonzaga

Dr. Avemar T. Gonzaga, School principal of Kalamalamahan Elementary School, Rogongon, Iligan City and the Kianibong Elementary School is part of his jurisdiction, control and supervision.  He said that the IPs education development is part of the inclusive education of the DepEd called Indigenous Peoples Education Program (IPEP). The Kianibong Elementary School is one of the four identified IPs school in Rogongon and one of the priority education program on IP sites in the country. He said that the partnership with the PDFI is very important because they provided the blue print on how the IPs strengthened their cultural and traditional practices, the SLT is within the program of the DepEd curriculum the so called Indigenous learning system (ILS).

Miss Najera Alauya, a Maranao, is the community organizer of the SLT project of PDFI. She said the culmination now was already in the fifth batch of SLT class and it is her first time to handle the project and the first time partnership with the DepEd and first time of a joint recognition and SLT culmination program. She said that they choose the tribal leaders to teach the children on SLT education program so that they will share the traditional and cultural practices of the Higaonon tribe.

 

Mr. Roberto "Bob" Quijano

Alauya said it is the responsibility of the tribal leader to share their cultural practices to the children. She observed that there is a big difference in terms of improvement with regards to the knowledge acquired by the learners in Kianibong. One of the objectives of the SLT project is to strengthen so that the children will not forget their culture and tradition and follow the practices of the tribe to prevent the encroachment of modern culture. The children learned the traditional dances like Binanog or eagle dance, war dance and tribal songs. The organic farming was being shared also to the children to protect the environment from total damage and they were very productive of working while learning.

Mr. Quijano said that the traditional way of learning, the SLT was being adopted by the PDFI. The school of living tradition (SLT) will remain as benchmark of the continuing advocacy of the PDFI on IPs development program in Rogongon. Reports, photos & video production by Jun Enriquez & Jac Macatimbol.

Davao CPOC goes for the creation of SCAA

Davao CPOC Special meeting

Davao City – In its City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) special meeting on March 29, 2017 held at Grand Menseng Hotel with Major Gen. Benito De Leon (Ret), head consultant of the Public Safety and Security Command center (PSCC), assessed the security situation in Davao City said that the previously high threat security level in Davao city was now subsided but security elements assumed high threat level to have good posture to defend Davao City and avoid complacency. He said there is a need to augment the security forces by creating the Special CAFGU Armed Auxillaries (SCAA) which was discussed in the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) as a response to the instruction of the President. CAFGU is Civilian Auxillary Forces Geographical Unit under the supervision of the Military.

MGen. Benito "Bennie" De Leon (Ret.)

De Leon said the creation of SCAA was instructed by President Duterte to hasten and defeat the insurgency in Davao region. Putting up CAFGU auxillaries rather than soldiers is more ideal because it takes time to train the latter and more expensive. The presence of SCAA will secure the center and peripheral communities in Davao city and will be well protected. The requirement to become a member of SCAA is most likely the same as the requirement to become a soldier.

The purpose of holding the special CPOC is to pass a resolution creating SCAA and to be submitted to Regional peace and order council (RPOC) and subsequently will be passed to the national government for final approval, as part of the instruction of the President and understood to be funded by the national level. He said the city will not legislate any law creating the SCAA. In the RPOC meeting, the creation of more SCAA was one of the major agendas so that the military will focus in running after the insurgencies and alternatively need territorial forces like SCAA to prevent the repetition of violence in Davao City and a priority program of the President.

De Leon said Probably other provinces in the region will also submit resolution requesting the same for table discussion in the RPOC. The proposal is to establish three companies of SCAA with 120 elements per company or a total of 360 SCAA personnel will be hired. The activation of SCAA is connected to some skirmishes happening in the outskirts of Davao City. The movement of security elements, the Task force Davao will still maintain their security posture to secure Davao City. He  encourage the business groups to form their own SCAA as authorize by law because security is part to protect the business.

PSSCC building, Davao City (courtesy of PSSCC)

De Leon headed the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) in Davao City said is a unique office created by the local government provides oversight over the two security offices in Davao City. He said he is acting in behalf of the City Mayor to Oversee the task force Davao which is anti-terror unit in the city and over the Davao City Police office, traffic management office, civil security units, and lately to include the Bureau of  fire, Bureau of Correction and Penology. He said all concerns on safety and security was covered in his responsibilities

The safety and security plan of PSSCC in Davao City is in line with the vision of Mayor Inday Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio in her statement said, "My vision is simple. I want our constituents to have gainful employment, decent housing, educated and healthy children, able to eat three meals a day, and to be safe and secured in their daily activities."

De leon said to oversee and coordinate on every security unit is to ensure not to duplicate their efforts to undertake safety and security measures in the city and see to it also if there are gaps to agree on who will take care in it. The security situation in Davao City has already improved after the bomb blast in September last year. He just assumed office at PSSCC after the Bomb blast.

De Leon asked the different security offices to continuously come and join together to secure Davao City and most of his efforts is more on collaborative meetings and supervision to ensure that all these offices are coordinating with each other. He is happy to note that despite big events held in Davao City like Miss Earth,  Miss Universe visit, the visit of Japanese Prime Minister, especially the launching of ASEAN Chairmanship of President Duterte in January this year, were all succeeded peacefully. He said that the holding of the ASEAN Summit was very successful and secured properly.

De Leon said during those big events, the security sector composed of the military, police and other sectors have joined together and agreed with a plan on how to undertake security and safety measures but despite the many challenges it ended very successfully. 

The then Col. De Leon was the Commander of 104th Brigade Philippine Army based in Iligan City in 2008 after the MOA-AD controversy, now the head consultant of the PSSCC under the office of the City Mayor, Davao City. Reports and photos by Jun Enriquez