MERN Lanao to explore solidarity mission for the Earthquake victims in North Cotabato

MERN-Lanao Region composed of CSOs leaders in its meeting, 5 November 2019, for the Solidarity Mission in North Cotabato affected by the earthquake.

Iligan City – Tulunan, North Cotabato was the epicenter of the series of earthquakes. Based on Phivolcs data, just last week an earthquake registered at 6.6 and 6.5 magnitudes on October 29 and 31, respectively and recorded 590 earthquake aftershocks . 

An information from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), there are 25,600 people affected as internally displaced persons (IDPs) with 2,200 homes sustained damages utilizing 400 schools served as evacuation centers and number of host families (home based IDPs) in the localities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is distributing food and relief assistance to the affected families and setting up temporary shelters. Local Authorities reported that their food and relief supplies are almost depleted due to repeated response to earthquakes that repeatedly occurs. Initial assessments from the government and civil society groups showed that emergency shelter is a priority need, because many homes were destroyed or people are unsafe to stay in their houses because walls are nearly collapsing. As strong earthquakes expected to occur, affected communities will remain outdoors and advice to monitor the weather conditions especially heavy rains to occur.

The Mindanao Emergency Response Network (MERN) of Lanao Region, composed of Civil Society groups (CSOs) from non-government organizations (NGOs), peoples Organizations (POs), Academe, religious and other sectors based in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur will conduct Solidarity Mission on November24-28, 2019 in North Cotabato, particular in Makilala town in the two isolated barangays due to landslides, the Barangays of Bato and Malungon close to Tulunan town.

The mission aims to conduct relief operation for the internally displaced peoples (IDPs) by giving food and non-food items including hygiene kits, conduct psycho-social activities especially to the women and children, and needs assessment of the earthquake affected areas for further disaster response related activities in the future.

Prior to the mission, available volunteers will be trained on psychosocial processes to capacitate them in facilitating the psychosocial activities on the target beneficiaries. There are at least 30 volunteers to join the solidarity mission in Makilala, North Cotabato.

The MERN Lanao is knocking the hearts to everyone who have the kindness to give donations for the Makilala earthquake victims. It may be in-kind, food and non-food items will be received by the Pailig Development Foundation, Inc. (PDFI) at 0076 Badelles Street, Pala-o, Iligan city (fronting AIM COOP). Contact person is Ms. Mai Moya, Acting Managing Director of PDFI with mobile phone # 09177169933.

For Cash donations may be deposited in the bank at BDO Iligan at account no. 001800387855 with the Account name, Pakigdait, Inc.. the contact person is Mr. Abel Moya, executive Director of Pakigdait, Inc. and can be reached at mobile phone # 09177732303.

In Marawi City, donations will be received by the Kalimudan Foundation, Incorporated (KFI). Mr. Ding Cali is the Executive Director of KFI.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce, an International NGO, will also join the Solidarity mission.

Roman Sigma Golden Anniversary

Buru-un, Iligan City -

LTFRB Iligan implements transport programs, to resolve illegal terminal and others

Sample of a PUV Drivers' Academy Identification card of 

Mr. Dima-Arig M. Diamla, LTFRB head, Iligan City.

By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City - There are many concerns and issues underlying challenges of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Iligan City is not an excuse especially on the problem of illegal terminal elsewhere in the city particularly in the vicinity of the old Gaisano must be abolished on orders of Iligan City Mayor Regencia. The LTFRB Iligan Sub-office expressed concerns on this problem in the person of Muhammad Cayongcat, LTFRB Inspector. The LTFRB Iligan is headed by Dima-arig M. Diamla.

Cayongcat said illegal terminal catering small scale vehicles are plying a route from Iligan to Basak areas, the neighboring municipalities in Lanao del Sur and vice versa. Accordingly, Mayor Regencia give chance to illegal operators to integrate at National Steel Corporation (NSC) terminal. Likewise, these illegal operators were asking franchise at LTFRB for public utility vehicle (PUV) operation. The LTFRB responded and have given them a transition period for processing to apply for franchise. The LTFRB is now gathering data at NSC terminal as to the numbers of vehicles, status of Original registration (OR) and Certificate of registration (CR) of their vehicle units. These operators and drivers of private passenger vehicles are encouraged to organize into cooperative to be registered to the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and accreditation to the Office of Transport Cooperative (OTC).

Muhammad Cayungcat

Cayongcat told to reporters of several programs the LTFRB is doing. The Department of transportation (DOTr) has established the Tawid Pasada Program (TPP), to provide fuel subsidy to Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) operators to be implemented by the LTFRB, a joint project of the DOTr and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). The LTFRB is under the office of DOTr. The PUJ operator will received a fuel subsidy for free at 5,000 pesos per quarter per unit. Many operators from Iligan City already applied on this program. The beneficiaries are required to submit authenticated copy of franchise of PUJ vehicle, filling up the Land bank form application and copies of OR and CR of the PUJ unit. The program was just started in October 2018. Beneficiaries on this program for this year will received 15,000 pesos this coming September for the three quarters because LTFRB has not yet release fuel subsidy since January 2019. Taxi operations are not included on the fuel subsidy program. The program has an accredited gas stations from LTFRB. The PUJ operator will be issued with fuel subsidy card indicating the franchise holder, plate number of the vehicle and others, which is non-transferable.

Another project of the LTFRB is the Tsuper Eskolar program, a Joint initiative between LTFRB under the DOTr headed by Secretary Arthur Tugade and the Technical Education and the Skills development Authority (TESDA). This will give full scholarship grants to the direct family members of PUJ operators to undergo skills training at TESDA and acquire National Certificate (NC) II to be used in business and employment purposes locally and abroad to help them access additional economic opportunities in the family. The Tsuper Eskolar trainee will be given a daily allowance of 350 pesos with more or less a month of training at TESDA.

Cayongcat further said that the LTFRB also launched the PUV drivers’ academy seminar. The LTFRB will be the one to conduct the seminar with topics composed of three phases, these are the road rage seminar on how to avoid conflict on the road, the Road safety and Road right. The graduates will be issued with identification card and certificate.

Modern PUV units

Cayongcat added about the aspect of PUV Modernization program, the LTFRB still on awareness campaign to have better understanding about the program, especially on the processing to acquire new units with unique management style. The transport modernization program was being conceptualized in the 1990s since the time of President Ramos and continued by President Duterte. The purpose of the modernization program is to solve traffic congestion for the convenience of the riding public. The modern PUV is loaded with airconditioned unit with availability of wifi. The principle of One route-one operator policy will be applied, meaning one route will be handled by a transport cooperative or corporation to disallow single ownership competition to avoid traffic congestion. Some transport cooperatives are now applying the modernization program. Just last month of July, the DOTr and LTFRB with the presence of Secretary Tugade and LTFRB 10 Regional Director Guro, respectively and other public officials, has launched the modernized transport vehicle units in Cagayan de Oro City.

Mr. Raul Permites, President, CLUTCH

Mr. Raul Permites, President of the Coalition of Lanao del Norte Utility Transport for Change (CLUTCH) said that the government modernization program for the  PUV is very ideal to decongest traffic nationwide and keep the environment clean will help boost economic development. Permites said that the CLUTCH is now prepared and ready to adopt and support the PUV modernization program of the government and organized themselves into a transport cooperative in order to apply new modern PUV units as primary requirement. He said that per route is allowed 15 units only plying regularly limited in the city of Iligan. The name of their newly registered cooperative is Misamis-Iligan Transport Service Cooperative (MILTRASCO).

in another development, there were reports that taxi operation in Iligan City are imposing Taxi fare contracting. The LTFRB office will entertain and welcome any complaint from taxi passengers about the said case and will penalize erring taxi operator and driver by imposing fare contracting to passenger not using taxi meter instead. There are at least 190 taxi units in Iligan City out of the 300 units allocated for franchise per approved resolution by the LGU Iligan City.

SNHS holds Golden Grand Alumni Homecoming

Suarez, Iligan City - It was already 50 years ago since the Suarez National High School (SNHS) was Established for High school education for the poor families in this Barangay. The SNHS was established in 1969 as a Barangay High School, then became Annex of Iligan City National High School (ICNHS) and finally became a National High School.

The SNHS faculty and staff has decided to launch the Golden Grand Alumni Homecoming on July 19, 2019 to celebrate its 50 years of existence in cooperation with the batch of 1991 and other Alumnus.The venue of the event will be at the SNHS school campus, Suarez, Iligan City.

The environment-friendly SNHS School buildings.

It will be a whole day event with activities and the program will start at 7:00 A.M. with a celebrated Mass; at 9:00 A.M. will be a motorcade starts at SNHS go around the Iligan City proper and back to SNHS school campus; at 11:00 A.M., program will be formally opened; at 12:00 noon will be a fellowship lunch; at 1:00 - 2:00 P.M., field demonstration of students; 2:30-5:00 P.M., Variety show; 6:00-10:00 P.M.is fellowship dinner and Grand Alumni Homecoming and party.

Ms. Ann Saavedra, School Principal, Suarez National High School (SNHS).

All SNHS Alumni who graduated from 1969 to present are invited to attend the said event with registration fee of 300 pesos only for food and t-shirt. One of the objectives of the Alumni Homecoming is to organize SNHS Alumni foundation to help the students who are poorest among the poor and some of the school programs. This information was duly approved by Ms. Ann Saavedra, School Principal of SNHS. This blogger is an Alumni of SNHS batch 1980.

Documentary Report: Police keep mum on STL massacre in Iligan City kills guard

The masacred RDS building stationed the Small Town Lottery (STL) - Gaming and Entertainment, Incorporated located at Quezon Avenue Extension, Pala-o, Iligan City.

By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City – It was seven months ago, on the early dawn of December 24, 2018, a massacre transpired in a Small Town Lottery (STL) business establishment, the Gaming and Entertainment, Incorporated at the RDS building owned and managed by Ms. Margie Molina, based in Manila, whose establishment located at Quezon Avenue Extension, Pala-o this city.

Prior to the incident, the workers of STL establishment was having its Christmas party at their office on the evening of December 23 and finished the party at midnight. On the following day at around 3:00 A.M., a massacre transpired.

Based on the information from witnesses who are workers of the establishment recounted that there were four armed gunmen suspects riding in tandem with two motorcycles, open fired the STL building and a service car red Mitsubishi Estrada pick-up with plate number NDF 6233 parked in the area pumped with bullets at a distance of five meters west from the building. Accordingly, police theorized that the suspects were armed with M-16 Armalite and .45 caliber pistol used during the massacre based on the slugs recovered.

Witnesses added that at the time of the massacre there were no police personnel present in the area. It usually had police patrol car seen in the vicinity in the past because the area is considered a commercial center.

There were two security guard personnel, who are Jaralba brothers, were heavily hit with bullets during the massacre, they are Henry Jaralba, 31 years old wounded with casualty named Jonas Jaralba, 27 years old both residents of Iligan City.

The Jaralba brothers were immediately brought to nearby city public hospital after the massacre at first both were still alive. During the time of the admission at the Iligan City hospital only two nurses and one laboratory technician were on-duty without a doctor available. The doctor was only present four hours later after the incident but Jonas passed away on December 24 suffering excessive blood bleeding from his body with severe injury in his abdomen. Prior to his death Jonas complaining of medical treatment screaming with utmost pain.

Prior to the death of Jonas, on the early morning of the same day, the mother of the victims requested for transfer both patients to private hospital from the Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital (GTLMH), local hospital, due to lack of facilities and attending physicians, but needed a release clearance. During the interview, the mother recounted the gesture of Iligan City Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz “kung mo transfer mo sa private hospital duna ba mo kwarta ikabayad?” (if you will transfer your patients to private hospital, do you have money to pay hospital bills?), but the mother said they have available 30,000 pesos and the STL operator also committed to provide full assistance to the victims, but still no clearance issued to release the victims for transfer.  Then few hours later at around 9:00 A.M. Jonas Jaralba expired and died six hours after the massacre.

Unconfirmed information from the police said that there was a winner betted about 300 pesos was not paid out and it might be one of the suspects of the massacre. The one peso-bet will win 600 pesos. The STL operator said that they have at least 1,000 member-agents within Iligan City and nearby places. Those agents who will not remit the betted numbers are called “doble kara”. It was also told that they received threats to stop their STL operations. They Informed further that there were plenty of illegal STL operators present in Iligan City and nearby localities.

In gathering more information about the massacre incident, this reporter together with another media colleague went to the police station number 5 in Iligan City to conduct interview to the station commander but to no avail the police desk in-charged pointed his finger to the tarpaulin hanged in their office and advised us to apply for the Freedom of Information (FOI) processes to access information 15 days later. The purpose of the media interview is to access immediate information from the police to know more about the solutions of the problem for public safety and security but nothing heard.

Since the time of the massacre incident in December 23, 2018 until today, the Iligan City police office especially the Police station 5 personnel did not issue any public statements for public safety and security but they continued keeping mum of the massacre incident happened seven months ago.

The poor Jaralba family still seeking justice for the death of Jonas and the surviving Henry. They are calling the attention of the Department of Health (DOH) to investigate the Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital (GTLMH), the local hospital in Iligan City, the hospital personnel especially the doctors and nurses for the very poor services that caused the death of Jonas Jaralba and most possible they will be stripped off with their licenses to prevent further damage of human lives in the future. Complaint reports added that plenty of casualties of patients in this hospital are continued happening due to poor services with no medicines available for the patients due to corruption, with the presence of arrogant medical personnel. Some people jokingly said that better to convert this kind of hospital into funeral homes.

The Jaralba family also calling the attention of the National leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to take action and investigate the inaction of the police personnel in Iligan City, especially the Police Station 5 regarding the massacre incident happened on December 23, 2018 in this city. The Iligan City police office especially the Police station 5 never responded the needs of the victims’ family whom questioning the National Police slogan “To Serve and Protect”. The Jaralba family demands the dismissal of these police “patolas” (cowards) by putting the public in danger.

This is an issue of policing public safety and security, a primary responsibility of the police force but in-complacency and anxiety prevail. Iligan City was in danger situation at the time and beyond of the massacre because terrorism and violent extremism during the Marawi siege still fresh from the hearts and minds of the people and still sporadically happening in some places in Mindanao. This also go against the commitment of the local chief executive of Iligan City on his peace and order program also keeping mum of this crime incident. (with reports from Hermie Arcilla)

Pres Duterte administers oath to newly elected Zambo Sur officials at Malacanang

Malacanang, Manila, Philippines - Newly-elected officials of Zamboanga del Sur headed by Governor Elect- Victor Yu took their oath under PDP-LABAN last night June 25, 2019 at Rizal Hall, Malacañang Palace, Manila. The said oath-taking was also attended by the elected officials from different provinces of the country.

The newly elected officials composed of Representatives,Mayors, Vice Mayors, City Councilors, SB Members and Board Members under Alayon Zamboanga (ALZA) from 2nd District of Zambo.del Sur, with the presence of Congw. Divina Grace Yu of 1St District, newly elected Congressman of 2nd District, Jun Babasa, Vice Governor Elect- Roy Ariosa, City Mayor Elect- Sammy Co, Mayor Elect Dominggo Mirrar of Lakewood, Mayor Elect of Kumalarang Ruel Balong Molina, Tigbao Mayor Elect Dodong Carcallas, Dimataling Mayor Elect Abel Yrauda, Pitogo Mayor Elect James Yecyec, Tabina Mayor Elect Tirsindo Poloyapoy, also with the presence of their respective Vice Mayors and some of their Councilors and SB members.

Zambonga del Sur First district officials were also attended the event including Labangan Mayor Elect Eduardo Relacion, Sominot Mayor Elect Jonriel Melo and their respective Vice Mayor and SB members. Some of the mayors did not make it to the ceremony due to conflict of schedules. Most of them are busy processing their counter protests filed by the opposition against them.

Governor-Elect Victor Yu said a mass oath-taking ceremony will happen on June 29, 2019 at the Pagadian City Gymnasium for those elected officials who did not make it to the ceremony held in Malacañang.

Pres. Duterte challenged the newly elected officials to keep their promise most especially on problems concerning illegal drugs and criminalities. Press release by ZDS PIO; photo courtesy by Jesrel Jess Himang.

Changes of PNP ranks precedes by the word “Police”

By Ely Dumaboc

Zamboanga City - Ranks used in addressing PNP personnel is preceded by the word "Police." The PNP rank classification shall be as follows: 1. Director-General to Police General, 2. Deputy Director-General to Police Lieutenant General, 3. Director to Police Major General, 4. Chief Superintendent to Police Brigadier General, 5. Senior Superintendent to Police Colonel, 6. Superintendent to Police Lieutenant Colonel, 7. Chief Inspector to Police Major, 8. Senior Inspector to Police Captain, 9. Inspector to Police Lieutenant, 10. SPO4 to Police Executive Master Sergeant, 11. SPO3 to Police Chief Master Sergeant, 12. SPO2 to Police Senior Master Sergeant, 13. SPO1 to Police Master Sergeant, 14. PO3 to Police Staff Sergeant, 15. PO2 to Police Corporal, 16. PO1 to Patrolman/Patrolwoman.

Joint AFP-PNP Law enforcement operation arrests 2 suspects with high powered firearms and explosives

Seizure of high powered firearms from the suspect's house by joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations.

By Jun Enriquez

 Sapad, Lanao del Norte - On the daybreak of April 24, 2019, operating troops from the Mechanized Companies (51, 52 & 53) of 5th Mechanized Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Rolando D Orengo, Battalion Commander seized four  (4) assorted firearms, ammunitions and explosives and apprehended 2 personalities in a Law Enforcement Support Operations with the 11 DRC under 2nd Lieutenant  Castro; Crime Investigation and Detection group (CIDG), Lanao del Norte; CIDG, Iligan City; Municipal Police Station (MPS) Kapatagan of Lanao del Norte under Police/Captain Latar through a simultaneous serving of search warrants to the houses of identified personalities who allegedly possessed unlicensed firearms in Municipalities of Sapad and Kapatagan.

The suspected personalities were arrested and identified as certain Jessie Alger Sr., 64 years of age, residents of Barangay Katipunan, Sapad, LDN and a certain Jael Tero, a resident of Panuloon, Sapad LDN for alleged violation of RA 10591 (Proliferation Against Loose Firearms).

The operation resulted to the seizure of one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M1 garrand rifle, one (1) cal. 45 pistol, one (1) shot gun, one (1) fragmentary grenades, ten (10) garrand clip magazines, two (200) hundred rounds of ammunitions, seven (7) stainless M16 Magazines loaded with ammunition, two (2) bandoleers, and one (1) waist pistol holster, all in the custody of CIDG, Lanao del Norte for ballistic testing while the arrested personalities were brought to the Headquarters of the CIDG Lanao del Norte, Pigcaranan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte for filing of appropriate charges and proper disposition. The successful joint Law Enforcement Support Operations (LESO) was done in response to the persistent reports coming from the concerned citizens of the said place regarding individuals possessing unlicensed firearms.

It was recalled that the Army's 5Mechanized Infantry Battalion intensified its campaign and efforts in close coordination with the local government units of the province to encourage their constituents for the voluntary turnover of loose firearms in line with the campaign of the 2Mechanized Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Ezra James P Enriquez AFP, Commander, anchored in line with the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the campaign to apprehend loose firearms. 

Lieutenant Colonel Orengo, the Commanding Officer of 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was grateful to the communities of the municipalities of Sapad and Kapatagan for their cooperation and trust to the Philippine Army that led to the seizure of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions, explosives and the apprehension of 2 personalities. He also commended the troops for their commitment to secure the people of Lanao del Norte. "We enjoined the people of Lanao del Norte to work hand-in-hand with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in keeping and sustaining peace through constant reporting and close coordination. The operation will bring message to all that the campaign against loose firearms will continue to attain a society free from violence and intimidation which will eventually lead to orderly and peaceful community ready for economic progress," Orengo stated. (Press Release with photos from 5th Mechanized Battalion, PA)

2nd Mech Bde 51st 1B encounters with NPAs in the Hinterlands of Iligan City

An Arrival Honors to BGEN EZRA JAMES P ENRIQUEZ AFP (with Corsage), Commander of 2Mech in line with his recent rank promotion from Colonel to Brigadier General. File Photo Courtesy of 2nd Mech Bde, PA.

Iligan City - Elements of Charlie Company of the 51^st Infantry Battalion under 1Lt. Rey Jay M Meneses encountered more or less 50 members of the armed group believed to be NPA's of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) with unidentified leader in the uninhabited mountainous area of Sitio Lemon, Brgy Kalilangan, Iligan City on 6 April 2019 at around 12:30 in the afternoon.

The Military forces conducted clearing operations as precautionary action to the reports relayed by concerned civilians from the area about the presence of the armed group. While on foot patrol, operating troops chance upon a suspected NPA lair caused an encounter with the CTGs who were wearing black uniforms. After 45 minutes of intense fire fight, the NPA's withdraw towards different directions. The government forces are still on pursuit operations to hunt down the fleeing bandits.

No casualties from the government forces during the encounter while undetermined on the part of the terrorists. However, the operating troops were able to scour the area occupied by the terrorist group after the fire fight and recovered from the site two (2) Magazines of ammunition of 5.56mm, one (1) Bandoleer, assorted empty cartridges, subversive documents and other personal belongings of the CTG members.

Brigadier General Ezra James P. Enriquez, Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army appreciates the support of the stakeholders from the community as partner of the security forces in the area, while he encourages the operating troops for their untiring efforts and continue the pursuit operation in tracking down the terrorists. He considered the operation successful as the security forces was able to thwart the NPA's terroristic activities that may affect the peace-loving people of Iligan City.

Brig Gen Enriquez extended his message to the members of CTGs to lay down their firearms and go back to the folds of the law with better opportunity on their new life awaiting them. (Press Release, 2nd Mech Brigade PA)

Brig. Gen. Ancan assumes as new Tabak Division Commander

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (Press Release) – The 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division (1ID), Philippine Army (PA) has a new commander in the person of Brig. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan who succeeded Maj. Gen. Roseller G. Murillo in a change of command ceremony presided by Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, the Commanding General, Philippine Army, held here on February 7, 2019. Brig. Gen. Ancan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987. An Airborne Ranger and well-rounded military officer with expertise in training, operations and managerial acumen.

Ancan is a graduate of Master in Management Major in Public Management. Earlier in his military career, he was a platoon leader of the 11th and 66th Infantry Battalion, Company Commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He also rendered service on training as Course Directors in Scout Ranger Training School in Mindanao and Combat Arms School, Training and Doctrine Command. The new commander also served at management branch of Office of Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations G7, and Personnel G1 of the FSRR, SOCOM.

Ancan also became the Commanding Officer of the 66th and the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division and Commander of the AFP Peace Keeping Operations. He worked as Chief of Staff of the FSRR, SOCOM, Philippine Army (PA) and the 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan Capiz. Prior to his new post, he was the commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani. In his assumption speech, Brig. Gen. Ancan expressed his gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief; Secretary of National Defense; to the members of the Board of Generals; Chief of Staff, AFP; and the members of Philippine Army Board of Senior Officers headed by CGPA for believing in his capacity to command and lead the 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division.

Brig. Gen. Ancan pledged to continue with what the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. Murillo, had started been doing and take off based on the demands of the prevailing situation and operational circumstances. “I enjoin every member of 1ID and our dear stakeholders to extend to me the usual support you had accorded to Maj. Gen. Murillo, and move on with me in unison, towards the accomplishment of our given mission and ensuring the welfare of our troops,” said Ancan.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Murillo during his valedictory address extended his deepest appreciation to the stakeholders and friends in the 1ID area of operation for the strong partnership and invaluable service. He also expressed his thanks to the Tabak troopers who never fall out of line during his stint. Murillo served in the Military service for 33 years will due to retire.

Lt. Gen. Alberto as Guest of Honor and Speaker in his message encouraged all the Tabak troopers to accord Brig. Gen. Ancan same support like the previous commander in order to sustain the momentum in fighting insurgency and terrorism.

Military’s 51st IB encounters CTGs at Barangay Mainit

Displaced residents of Barangay Mainit evacuated at the Barangay Gymnasium. Photo courtesy: Iligan CIO Facebook.

Iligan City - In a press release sent by the office of the Civil Military Operation (CMO) of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army (PA) expressed concerns on the Military encounter with the communist rebels. At around 7:00 O’clock in the morning on January 15, 2019, elements of the Bravo company of 51^st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) encountered more or less Thirty (30) Communist terrorist groups (CTGs) with unidentified leader in Sitio Bukana, Barangay Mainit this city.     

The government forces conducted combat clearing operations at said vicinity when they encountered unidentified numbers of CTGs. The government forces are still on pursuit operations to hunt down the communist terrorist groups. The fire fight lasted for almost forty five (45) minutes but no reported casualties from the government forces while undetermined numbers on the side of the CTGs.

A resident in Mainit recounted that the New People’s Army (NPA) dubbed as CTGs by the Military were having their camping ground in the forested areas in Barangays of Mainit and Rogongon and extort logistical support in the localities such as money, food and others to sustain their revolutionary movement. It was said that the unconfirmed numbers of CTGs to at least 1,000 are roaming around in Barangays of Mainit and Rogongon came from Bukidnon and Davao areas. There were at least 500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) temporarily evacuated in the barangay gymnasium. 

BGen Thomas R. Sedano Jr., Commander of 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army (PA) expressed his whole-hearted thanks to the local populace and local chief executives for their cooperation and support to the government forces.

Sedano said that the encounter is a manifestation that the local populace are now aware and already awaken from the deception and treachery of the CTGs and they are now after in attaining peace and development in their community. He also congratulated the members of 51^st 1B under the leadership of LTC Jasper Edward D. Obar especially the members of Bravo Company for their untiring efforts and commitment to go after these terrorist groups.

The 2^nd Mechanized Brigade, PA together with its subordinate units will always relentless in their mandate to protect the people and the state from the hands of the terrorists to achieve a peaceful and developed community, said Sedano. (with reports: Salve Gimena)