Military exhibits: a rationale

Opening the camp to the public is a way to make the people understand and support their military. We, in the military, owe it to the people to explain what we are doing. In the first place, they have mandated our existence and have paid in taxes for our service. This rationale guided the holding of the 3-day camp exhibit culminating with the 9th Founding Anniversary celebration of the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade last 26 of October.

Related posts in Mindanao Examiner’s official website and blog entitled “Philippine Army Winning the Hearts and Minds in Mindanao.” Also, in PIA Website (by Breezy Jimenez): "Makamandag battalion maintains peace, order stance."













The camp exhibits showcased the brigade’s role, its capabilities, and accomplishments in pictures. The combat units under the brigade, the Philippine National Police, and the US military in the area joined the exhibits. Also, commercial outlets, and other institutions together with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte and the City Government of Iligan erected their stalls to promote tourism and their local products. At that time, the visitors freely interacted with the soldiers, took pictures, and even handled the available military hardware. The various weapons on display and the armored vehicles were the all-time crowd drawers.

Group tours, particularly for visiting schools and other entities, were guided by soldiers and local volunteer Tourism Students on practicum. Consistent with the brigade’s Muslim-inspired moniker as “Sultan,” the camp grounds were elaborately decorated with colorful Maranao traditional flags such as the “sambulayan” and “pasandalan.” Martial march music and the sound of the “kulintang” accented the festive spirit. The last day even featured the world-acclaimed Kalimulan Dance Troupe of the Mindanao State University (MSU-IIT) performing cultural dances.

The camp exhibit—hailed to be the first time ever, in the area—attracted 4,270 curious visitors on record coming from the various sectors even as far as beyond the brigade area of responsibility. Considering the turnout of guests, mostly students, similar exhibits will be held in more publicly accessible places as in schools.

Pagari Park: the brigade porch

Since my assumption, I have openly invited acquaintances to drop on my porch either to have coffee or exchange thoughts with me. My porch then was a shaded and fenced area next to my temporary lodging and furnished with native furniture. The increasing number of visiting friends afterward required for a bigger space; hence, the Pagari Park. "Pagari" means friendship in Maranao.

A related article with pictures entitled "Army Sultan's shot for unity in Mindanao" at Mindanao Examiner and at Blogger; also in PIA Website (by Breezy Jimenez) as "Sultan Brigade Opens Pagari Park."

The park is a newly developed garden, transformed from a former dump of volcanic rocks, at the heart of the Sultan Brigade camp. This was officially opened during the 9^th Founding Anniversary of the Army's Sultan Brigade last 26 October. Former Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda "Angging" Quibranza-Dimaporo—a Christian married to a Muslim and a strong advocate for cultural harmony and eco-tourism—graced the inauguration of the park. Also, Iligan Diocese Catholic Bishop Elenito Galido, Islam Aleem Elias Macarandas, and Lumad Datu Rolando Soong came for the interfaith joint consecration.


















A fountain and ornamental plants under the trees beautifully complemented the rocks—some of which serve as natural tables and chairs. The park features three corners representing the major Philippine Muslim cultures—Maguindanao, Maranao, and Tausug—have inspired the brigade moniker of "Sultan." During the inauguration of the park, guests had the chance to have a glimpse of the different traditional wear of each ethnic group and sample their respective delicacies.

"Pagari Park has a strong good vibes," comments a theosophist echoing the observations of other guests. This encouraging remark is a wonderful incentive for the park to serve as the brigade porch in fostering unity and harmony.

Pagari Park was realized with the support and contributions of those who shared the thought of promoting peace. My personal gratitude to my wife, Belle, and her "committee of three" (Eza, Jeffrey & Nhor) for assisting me in realizing this concept; and to TSG Francisco Saladaga for his passionate commitment to this endeavor. Also, I acknowledge the invaluable support of the following: Hon. Jaber Azis, Michelle Daniel, Hon. Maminta Dimakuta, Robert Estroga Landscaping Services, Eza Galvez, Jeffrey Rufo Galvez, Norcaya Maquiling, Hon. Mastura Manangolo, Hon. Elias Montod, Alexis Natividad, Hon. Haironi Omar, Engr. Marivel Frances Ong, Engr. Hilal Sangcopan, Hon. Hadji Yusop Saripada, Engr. Roger Suyang, and other personnel of the brigade.

Sultan Troopers Journal--out!

On the occasion of the brigade's 9th Foundation Anniversary on 26 October, we have published the maiden issue of the Sultan Troopers' Journal--the e-copy is included in this post.

Compared with other military publications, I daresay that this issue attempts to make the articles more understandable to the ordinary civilians. More importantly, it aims to contribute in making the military's existence more meaningful and relevant to the community.

Towards this end, we would appreciate your comments.

Sultan Troopers Journal (Maiden Issue)

Brigade exhibit invitation

In connection with the 9th Founding Anniversary of the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade on 26 October 2009, an exhibit within camp premises will be open to the public from 24 to 26 October. Please check the invitation below.

9th Anniversary Exhibit

The land … of bounty

Lanao del Norte—the land of beauty and bounty—continues to showcase its plentiful resource amid festivities. This was seen in today’s 61st anniversary celebration of Araw ng Baloi with the theme “Unity, Peace and Progress is the Collective Effort of the Government and the People.” Mayor Hanifa Ali took pride in ushering guests to the several booths displaying the town’s abundant agriculture produce.

Related article: 61st Araw ng Balo-I depicts unity, peace, progress
(PIA website by Breezy C. Jimenez)






It was just amazing to see the plentiful fruits and agriculture crops in this town, but it was also frustrating to think why I and even many others have not known this all along. Interestingly, I even learned now that there are several varieties of bananas organically grown and found only in the area; “amas”, a sugar-sweet, tiny banana (about 3 inches long) became easily my favorite. It was also here that I tasted a different kind of the exotic tropical durian fruit: I daresay, it is the best of its kind I have savored in all of Southeast Asia. Perhaps, the fertile soil and the cool climate stimulated the conditions for abundance, and variety of tasty fruits and crops in the area.

With these impressions, I then joined the guest speaker, former Provincial Governor Imelda Dimaporo accompanied by spouse Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo, in congratulating the local executives and the people for their achievement in maintaining peace and abundance in the town.

As we laud the community for their success, more effort should be made to help promote their agricultural produce so that many can share in the bounty of their land and for the economic benefit of the local folks as well.

WESMINCOM accents CMO approach

Along with the change of leadership is the anticipated adjustment or variation in the way of doing things. The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Zamboanga City had such a change last on 16 July 2009 with the retirement of Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga and the assumption of Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino, the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

General Dolorfino, as the new commander of WESMINCOM, was expected to inspect his units deployed in the Lanao Provinces, Zamboanga Peninsula including those in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. While he is familiar with the Lanao situation having earlier commanded a Marine Brigade then deployed here, he still needed to visit the area to project his command presence to the troops.



This morning, General Dolorfino did come to my brigade to personally explain his concept of command which is summarized in his vision for WESMINCOM: “a people-oriented and professional military command deeply committed to the promotion of peace, progress and development through multi-stakeholders dialogue, partnership and collaboration.” To ensure this is understood and carried out by the troops, he took great lengths to elaborate what he meant as “people-oriented” and “professional military” which he considers as the two pillars for soldiers to stand on; he stressed that peace and progress will be the ultimate purpose of all military efforts.

Hence, he says, there will be a paradigm shift in the conduct of Internal Security Operation (ISO) at WESMINCOM aspiring for a mix of 20 percent combat operations and 80 percent civil-military operations (CMO). This will involve pursuing six lines of activities that is now heavier on the latter:

• Military operations to promote peace & order
• CMO to facilitate good governance
• CMO to promote socio-economic reform
• CMO to promote cultural cohesiveness and harmony
• CMO to promote good environmental management
• CMO to promote good public information

The new WESMINCOM commander was happy to note that 104th Infantry Brigade has already been doing all these, if not weighing more on CMO—in conformity with his concept of command. Nonetheless, whatever mix it shall be, we will not err if we keep in mind the welfare of those—our people—we have sworn to serve.

An anniversary of golden optimism

In keeping with the provincial title as the “Land of Beauty and Bounty,” and fitting to a golden anniversary associated with optimism and wealth, Lanao del Norte have shown all these marks during its 50th Founding Anniversary celebration.

Despite the disturbing memories of the August 2008 atrocity on the towns of Kolambugan and Kauswagan and the lingering threat of violence in the area, Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo remained unfazed and more determined to make the celebration truly festive. He has maintained that his responsibility is to promote the image of the province; make it attractive to tourists and investors. Understandably as these approaches are the keys to economic prosperity. And so, all over the province were striking banners —“LDN 50 Anyos Na, Panaghiusa, Kalinaw ug Kalambuan Ipadayun Ta”—calling for everybody to pursue unity, peace and progress. Matching activities were then set to portray and promote the stability and growth of the province, regionally if not nationally.


Festivities started officially on 24 June in the southern and coastal town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo with a grand fluvial parade evoking the rich cultural pomp of the Moros. The colorful vintas were made more dramatic by the rhythm of the Maranao kulintangs. From these boats alighted the local participants to the beauty pageant like sirens from the sea. The days were filled with merriment including a concert by Bamboo, the most popular rock band in the country; and The Singing Bee Contest, a popular TV singing competition hosted by actor Cesar Montano. While the Manila-based entertainers have amused the local folks, they intimated to have also learned the beauty of the place and corrected the negative impressions they have previously held. Agricultural and livestock produce were also showcased as well as their rich culture during the 10-day celebration. The last night even featured a 30-minute fireworks display, considered as the most fabulous ever in the province. The perceptive governor was kind enough to even offer the spectacle as a gift to my wife and son who were around and incidentally celebrating their birthdays.






The Culmination Day, July 4, held at the capital town of Tubod brought the DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr as the guest speaker considering the role of his department in the attainment of peace. He expressed amazement and admiration in the speedy recovery of the province from the recent atrocities; he lauded the people especially the provincial governor for their optimism and achievement—an acknowledgement that the attitude of leaders and its people would remain to be crucial in charting their future directions.

See related article: Teodoro welcomes back 130 MILF combatants (SunStar) & Teodoro says ‘open-door’ policy will continue (Manila Bulletin by Elena L. Aben)