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

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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.