Peace: for our sake and the future

“Kita, karong henerasyon, maoy bug-at ang tahas nga masiguro ang atong mga anak ug sa mga mosunod pa, nga maayo ug malinaw ang katilingban” (We, the present generation, have the heavy responsibility of ensuring that our children and the ones to come are prepared with a better and a peaceful society for them to live in).

The children among the crowd delighted in the opening statement of Col Benito de Leon, the commander of 104^th Brigade, who delivered in broken Visayan dialect his peace message during the “Hudyaka sa Kalinaw” (Peace Celebration) at Iligan Public Plaza last Wednesday evening. This celebration, the last day of the Mindanao Week of Peace for the year called for by Presidential Proclamation No. 127 of 2001, was organized by the Lanao Educational Arts for Development (LEAD). The Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSOFP), with Jane Bernardo as President, supported the activity.

The “Hudyaka,” from afternoon through the night of December 3, started with interfaith Christian-Muslim-Higaunon prayers followed by Maranao and Higaunon cultural presentations of dances and songs. With the theme “Duyog Mindanaw: pandayon ta ang kalinaw “ (Together Mindanao:  let’s repair or construct peace), speakers shared their views how to achieve peace.

The lone military speaker echoed the theme of the Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC) for the week-long celebration to attain peace. “Integrity of Heart and Mind” as the road to reconciliation and peace, de Leon says, would also include “keeping our passions within due bounds.”  With emphasis he closed, “ang hagit sa pagpanday niining kalinaw kinahanglan nato atubangon sa karon para sa atong tanan ug sa musonod pang henerasyon” (we have to face the challenge to repair or construct peace now for our sakes and the future generations).

Humane side of the uniform

Here is an interesting post by Violeta Gloria entitled Dining with a Colonel providing a civilian-writer's insight of the "man in uniform." The article reveals the hidden and human side of a soldier rarely exposed to the public. At the same time, it shows the critical and observant eye of a true journalist.

NGO asked to help IDPs

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Iligan City (30 November). An army commander had asked the Serviamus Foundation Inc to also help the internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly the Muslims, as a result of the August 18 atrocities in Lanao del Norte.

The appeal was directed to Serviamus Foundation, a Non-Government Organization (NGO), by 104^th Army Brigade Commander Col Benito de Leon in addressing a crowd of about 3,000 members gathered for its 11^th General Assembly at the MSU-IIT Gym. The mission of the micro-financing organization is to “uplift and strengthen the socio-economic condition of the poor households in Mindanao towards total human transformation through a quality innovative financial and other development services.” The assembly highlighted the various local products from the Small Enterprise Development Program Project. Bishop Elenito Galido of the Diocese of Iligan and Norma Gejon is the President and Executive Director of the Foundation, respectively.

Col de Leon said in his speech that his soldiers are now also much involved in the return, resettlement, and reintegration of the IDPs in the province consistent with the International Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement as well as the implementing instructions of government leaders. He noted, however, that many of the IDPs have lost the drive and the capacity to recover economically. He thus suggested a similar Small Enterprise Development Program be made by Serviamus to also benefit the IDPs.

“In being able to also extend your service to the IDPs, especially to the Muslims, this Foundation would have demonstrated firmly its full transformation from being church-based into a true NGO,” he challenged.

Interfaith Prayer: starting the Mindanao Week of Peace

An interfaith prayer for peace was held on 27 November 2008 at St. Mary Gym, Tibanga, Iligan City co-hosted by the Bishop Ulama Conference (BUC), and the Ranao Muslim-Christian Movement for Dialogue and Peace (RMCMDP), both for the Lanao Provinces, with the theme 'Integrity of Heart and Mind: Way to Reconciliation and Peace'. The activity was attended by Muslim and Christian students, religious and traditional leaders from the area. This symbolized the start of the celebration of the "Mindanao Week of Peace" called for by Presidential Proclamation No. 127 signed on 26 Novemeber 2001. 

  

Franciscan Priest Fr Marselo Fada, 

Parish Priest of San Lorenzo Church, 

Bgy Hinaplanon, Iligan City

(L-R) Atty Saidale Gandamra, Army Col Benito de Leon of 104th Infantry Brigade, 

Fr Daniel Somani of Iligan Diocese, Fr Chito Suganob of Marawi, 

Bishop Elenito Galido of Iligan, Bishop Edwin dela Pena of Marawi, 

and Alim Elias Macarandas, a BUC member 

& President of Muslim Welfare Society. 

·  L

Peace talks to re-start only if . . .

PIA Website (OSM-Radyo ng Bayan)

Lanao Norte now generally peaceful

PIA Website (OSM-Radyo ng Bayan)

Army explains checkpoints

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Iligan City-- Army checkpoints to increase security measures were up early this week along the road connecting the cities of Iligan and Marawi, in front of the 104^th Infantry Brigade camp at  Barangay Maria Cristina of the city, attracting varied reactions from the people in the area.

A commuter complained claiming that there was discrimination as the checkpoint stopped and inspected their vehicle upon seeing the occupants to be Maranaos. It was argued that there was a seeming bias against the group that can provoke resentment and was further considered to violate Human Rights.  On the other hand, many local folks particularly from Iligan City welcomed the checkpoints as it was viewed to provide them more security.

Col Benito de Leon, Commander of the 104^th Infantry Brigade declared that he ordered the checkpoint along the Iligan-Marawi route to control the passage of lawless armed groups that were reportedly just freely passing through the road. He said that no prejudice was directed towards a certain group as he disclosed even requiring at one point for all vehicles be checked including those of the military, police, or other government agencies. This measure, he said would curb those who plan to impersonate persons in authority, and allow the military to monitor the passage of security forces. Certain individuals were also reported carrying firearms without authority and even on board government vehicles or ambulances, hence the checkpoints, he adds.

The officer went on radio to explain the rationale of checkpoints which is intended to complement police enforcement activities and contribute to peace and order. Accordingly, this mechanism is consistent with the AFP’s Rules of Engagement and does not violate Human Rights. Personnel involved were trained also with the inputs of US subject matter experts  to ensure its professional conduct.  As he apologized to the riding public for the inconvenience of the checkpoints, he also asked them to extend cooperation to facilitate the job of the soldiers. He advised vehicle drivers on approaching a checkpoint the following: slow down and prepare to stop if signaled; dim their lights; open their windows; and turn on their cabin lights.

“Rest assured that we will establish any security arrangement allowed by our laws and regulations, including the conduct of checkpoints, if only to protect the people we are duty-bound to serve,” emphasized Col de Leon.

Soldiers repaint defaced mosque in Lanao Norte

by Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews

Sexual abuses forbidden even in war—military

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Iligan City (25 November). “Sexual violence is outlawed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines even in times of war or armed conflict.”

This was the message of Col Benito de Leon, Commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade, speaking during the “Observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” held in the city by the Gender Equality Network for Peace (GEN4PEACE) in cooperation with the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Forum for Peace and the British Embassy. The activity was organized in consonance with UN Security Council Resolution No. 1820 covering the issues on rape and sexual violence in conflict situations. Adopting the theme “Women, Peace, and Security: Issues of Rape and other Forms of Sexual Abuse in Times of War,” the consultation was attended by the delegates from the 13 NGO-member groups of the CSO Forum with its President Jane Bernardo, and participated in by the military and police. Ms Anita Sescon, the Commissioner of the Mindanao Commission on Women Forum provided the inputs for the UN Resolution. On the other hand, Atty Florante Ursua of the Commission on Human Rights spoke on the responsibility of the government to prevent human rights violations.

In responding to concerns that women have been portrayed as a booty of war and that the incidence of sexual molestations were high during times of armed conflicts, Col de Leon explained that the notion of war booties were things of the past long gone by. As societies became more civil, laws and norms were adopted to forbid this practice, he adds. Further, he says, the military aside from the existing criminal laws enforces the punitive Articles of War governing the conduct of military personnel. Furthermore, the officer clarified that other measures are in place to ensure that members of the military observe the prohibitions as provided in our legal system including the adoption of the AFP Code of Ethics outlining the professional conduct, the inclusion of all these as discussion points in military education courses, and the regular conduct of troop information. Accordingly, commanders at all levels have to see that these are all observed and enforced.

“All abuses or violations of the law, including rape or violence on women, committed by any military personnel at any given time especially during times of conflict will not be tolerated by the AFP,” the army commander underscored.

Lanao officials meet to end bloody feuds

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Tubod, Lanao del Norte (22 November). In an effort to end bloody reprisals locally in Lanao as “rido,” local political leaders, military, and police officials on Fridays converged in the remote Magsaysay town of Lanao del Norte, the site of the recent atrocity, to dialogue with the local folks.

The practice of rido particularly in the town was attributed to disputes arising from business rivalry or being shortchanged in their deals. This individual grudges later worsened as blood debts that had widened into clan wars. Just last week, Municipal Councilman Generoso Jamora was slain in what was believed to be part of a string of reprisals among the populace. The nearby town of Salvador had also been the site of another feud that resulted in the ambush of a group of Maranaos.

Father and son, Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo of the 2^nd District and Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo of the province were joined by 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander Col Benito de Leon and Police Region 10 Chief Supt Teoderico Capuyan to discuss arrangements to prevent further violence in the area.  The group later met with the people of the town to appeal to end the bloody feuds that had claimed lives and threatened to escalate into a bigger conflict.  

Congressman Dimaporo who was celebrating his birthday gave way to attend to this concern which he feared may escalate to create a divide between the Christians and the Muslims or the Maranaos and the other ethnic groups.  He directed the police authorities to speed up investigation in order to identify the suspects to be charged in court so as to prevent people to take the law in their own hands. He appealed for unity to attain true peace and order citing. He even cited that though he is a Muslim he got married to a Christian from the Quibranza family: his father hoped that such union will achieve peace in the land. He had to endure ridicule in many occasions if only to support the aspirations for peace.

Also, Governor Dimaporo echoed the sentiments of the his father and called for unity among the people so that they can better attain security and further take on development activities. He says that his priority concern is in bringing the rogue element of Macapaar aka Bravo who sowed violence in the province.

Meanwhile, Supt Capuyan assured the locals that he had stationed more police forces in the area to curb further violence. He also asked the people to cooperate with and trust the police so that justice can be served faster. Col de Leon, also, said that he had placed an Army unit, referring to 32^nd Infantry Battalion, to attend to the security in the area and assist the police in law enforcement activities. This would include running after the lawless armed groups that may seek to undertake the extra-judicial option of “rido.”

The army commander stressed that the cycle of violence of “rido” will be unending if everyone does not do anything to stop it.  He says that the mistakes we do now will be paid by future generations. “We owe it to the future generations to make right the foundations we prepare for them,” emphasized de Leon.

Mindanao conflict likened to "The Kingdom"

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Caught conferring with US troops

Shows in picture the Brigade Commander of 104th with US elements.

RP-US Military projects up in Lanao

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Army foils a rido in Lanao

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Iligan City (18 November). An army patrol in search of the MILF groups responsible for the havoc in Lanao del Norte encountered an armed group believed to be preparing to launch a reprisal attack at Salvador town of Lanao del Norte.

Col Benito de Leon, the 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander, reported that at 1:30 p.m. today, troops belonging to the 35^th Infantry Battalion dispatched to check the presence of armed elements at Sitio Bayabao of Salvador town got engaged in a skirmish with a group of about 20. While no casualties were accounted in the firefight, this resulted in the capture of eight individuals suspected to be associated with the MILF, the recovery of a shotgun, caliber 30 ammunitions, handheld radios, military packs, and uniforms.

The army commander disclosed that initial investigations showed the group to be linked with a prominent MILF leader who intended to do a “rido” (armed settlement of family feuds) in exacting revenge with another prominent political personality in the area.

Lanao had been known for the practice of ridos. Just last week, series of such incidents occurred in the nearby municipality of Magsaysay. This prompted the Army to deploy forces in the area to deter the recurrence of violence. Dialogues with the populace where also undertaken by the military and the local government executives in an attempt to stop rido.

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during his visit over the weekend also issued instructions to the military to similarly treat as criminals those who undertake the practice of rido. Teodoro reminded the public that the courts are the only acceptable and lawful institutions for the settlement of disputes to ensure peace and order in a civilized society.

Gov Dimaporo okeys ACC

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Tubod, Lanao del Norte (19 November). An Area Coordinating Center (ACC) for the Province of Lanao del Norte was ordered to be established by Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo today.

The ACC is a mechanism borne out of Executive Order No. 21 creating a coordinative and integrated system on internal security. It serves as a point of contact of the Peace and Order Council, Disaster Coordinating Council, Development Council, Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations, and other entities at the sub-national and local levels. The operational concerns include developmental operations, counterinsurgency, anti-organized crime, maintenance of peace and order, disaster relief and rehabilitation, environmental enhancement and protection, and other special events that need concerted efforts or actions of cognizant government agencies and NGOs.

Col Benito de Leon, the 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander, after the presentation of the mechanics of the ACC recommended its establishment, and clarified that the center can be created directly under the authority of the Local Chief Executive which in the case for the province would be the governor. He says that the role of the military will be in support to its day-to-day operations of the center. Dimaporo admitted having wanted to have such arrangement in place even long before the MILF-initiated atrocities on the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan last 18 August.

The army commander earlier urged the need for strengthening the integrated territorial defense system in the area to better secure the communities. De Leon stressed that the establishment of the ACC for Lanao del Norte will greatly help the local executive attend to the various governance concerns in the province including security.

Lanao rehabilitation pushed

Iligan City (16 November). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed the military today to hasten the return to normalcy of the communities affected by the August 18 atrocities caused by the lawless MILF group of Macapaar alias Bravo.

Secretary Teodoro who was on a surprise visit of the evacuation centers at the Municipalities of Munai and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte was accompanied by the Army commanders in the area to check on the conditions of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As the trip was unannounced moreso on a Sunday, local leaders were noticeably not around. Teodoro took time to find out the concerns of the IDPs which ranged from lack of medicines, dismal road conditions, inadequate schools, lack of water systems, and security assurances during military operations. He promised to elevate these for action by the concerned agencies. In responding to the concerns on the reported retaliation of “ilagas” (a local militia), the defense secretary was widely cheered by local Musim folks when he declared he would similarly run after groups that threaten their safety whether they be Christians or Muslims in the same manner the military is now hunting down Bravo. Rido (armed settlement of feuds) will not be tolerated, he adds.

Maj Gen Nehemias Pajarito, the 1^st Division Commander, subsequently instructed Col Benito de Leon, the 104^th Infantry Brigade Commander charged of Lanao del Norte, to help the IDPs to resettle in their respective residences, and to provide the necessary security arrangements. Pajarito also urged the local people to report the presence of lawless groups so the military and police can take action. He stresses that this is important to ensure their safety and the restoration of peace in their communities. The division commander also ordered his subordinates to extend security and assistance to agencies particularly those involved in developmental projects.

Meanwhile, De Leon reported that the communities in the province is now secured from the lawless MILF groups noting the absence of any atrocity for quite sometime as well as the successful conduct of special events and the smooth trips of visiting dignitaries. Last week despite threat reports, he says, President Arroyo even flew direct from her overseas trip to effectively inspect a road project in Nunungan, a hinterland municipality of the province. All these indicate that development projects to rehabilitate Lanao del Norte can now take a full swing, he concludes.

Army seeks support of Lanao religious leaders

Iligan City (7 November). In a bid to secure support to dissipate the tensions of warring groups, an army commander met with religious leaders of Lanao del Norte for consultation on the prevailing security issues being instigated by some sectors to have cultural and religious undertones.

Col Benito de Leon, the Commander of 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, stationed in the province paid a courtesy call today on Catholic Bishop Elenito Galido of the Diocese of Iligan covering Lanao del Norte. Earlier this week, the officer had a similar meeting with Muslim Aleem Elias Macarandas at the Bishop Ulama Office in the city.

Both Bishop Galido and Aleem Macarandas, who are members of the Bishop Ulama Conference, welcomed the consultations of the Army officer as they were disturbed with the recent atrocities seemingly between Muslims and Christians particularly in the town of Magsaysay. Last 26 October, a group of Maranaos were reportedly ambushed in the town resulting to a number of casualties, and local militia (Ilagas) were being blamed for this violence. It was also alleged that this was the latest of a series of reprisals involving several groups in the area.

De Leon said that he had deployed forces in the area to prevent further bloodshed. The 35^th Infantry Battalion under Lt Col Jose Faustino had also initiated dialogues with the local folks in Magsaysay in an attempt to reach out to the conflicting parties and resolve their issues peacefully, he said.

Both religious leaders manifested continuing commitment to activities that promote peace and harmony among the Christians and Muslims. The army commander also assured them that the military will give due protection to all citizens no matter their cultural or religious affiliations may be.

We are duty-bound to uphold the constitution--Col. de Leon

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Army Sultan allays fears of Muslims

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Iligan City (27 October). “Your military will always give high priority in ensuring the protection of the Filipino citizens whether they be Christians, Muslims, Lumads, or otherwise,” emphasized Col Benito T de Leon, Commander of 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade, 1^st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Col. de Leon guested today in an interfaith dialogue wearing a Maranao cap given him after he was conferred the honorary title of “Sultan a Romapunut” (Leader of Peace) in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur during the MILF hostilities of 2000. The forum was sponsored by Pakigdait Inc, a civil society organization, attended by Traditional and Religious leaders and held at Iligan City. Rev. Fr. Regino R. Quijano is the Chairperson for Pakigdait while Mr. Musa M. Sanguila is the Chairperson of Civil Society Organization of Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development: both were also present.

The military officer’s statement was in reply to the questions to clarify issues concerning the safety of the people particularly of Muslims communities with the on-going operations to track Macapaar aka Bravo. Bravo was held responsible for the August 18 atrocities in Kolambugan and Kauswagan towns of Lanao del Norte.

Aside from presenting a generally peaceful situation, de Leon further explained that his brigade is at the same time assisting local government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and religious organizations which had come to help hasten the return of peaceful conditions in Lanao del Norte. He lauded the efforts of Pakigdait for spearheading the coordination in the return of 63 displaced families to their homes in Paiton, Kauswagan.

“Even as we pursue the lawless groups, we shall strictly abide by the instructions of minimizing collateral damage and in upholding the rights of the people as guaranteed in our Constitution,” de Leon said.

Wanted outlaw captured in Lanao

Munai, Lanao del Norte (27 October). 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade turned over to police authorities today a certain Tony Angne aka Mercury who was caught during an engagement in yesterday’s gun battle with government forces.

Col Benito de Leon the Commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade reported that elements of the 10^th Infantry Battalion under LtCol John Jurado running after the lawless group of Macapaar aka Bravo engaged a group of five at midmorning of 26 October at Barangay Riray, Madalum, Lanao del Sur. After a short firefight, the armed group run away leaving behind the wounded Angne to be captured by the troops, he said. Recovered from Angne a caliber 380 pistol with ammunitions.

The army commander also said that Angne was given first aid by the soldiers before he was evacuated to the rear for endorsement to authorities. On learning that Angne had a standing arrest warrant, De Leon directed that Angne be turned over to the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police in Tubod. Angne was identified to have led the kidnapping of about 40 civilians at Kolambugan sometime in June.

Army Brigade Celebrates Anniversary in Lanao

Munai, Lanao del Norte (26 October). Troops of the 104^th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade celebrated their 8^th Founding Anniversary today in a simple ceremony at their Advance Command Post in Munai, an inland municipality of Lanao del Norte.

During the ceremony, Colonel Benito de Leon, its present commander, paid tribute to his six predecessors who had led the brigade to great achievements. The first commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade was Col. Romeo Tolentino who became the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. The brigade was eventually assumed by Col Alexander Aleo, and subsequently by Col. Alexander Yapching. Then Col. Nehemias Pajarito, now a major general, was its fourth commander and is presently the Commander of 1^st Infantry Division. He was followed by Col. Reynaldo Sealana and then by Col. Antonio Supnet. In citing past accomplishments, De Leon urged his troops to reflect and draw inspiration from it to pursue their present tasks with vigor. “Even as we have succeeded in securing the threatened communities here, we still have to bring Bravo and his group to justice and calm the apprehensions of the people,” De Leon reminded his troops.

Major General Pajarito, the guest of honor and speaker, also prodded the brigade to up their warrior spirit in decimating the group of Bravo that caused the recent havoc in Lanao del Norte. He referred to Bravo’s group as bandits in the same kind as that of the Abu Sayaff. The troops of 104^th Brigade should keep in mind the reason for which it was created and had performed so well in the past, he added.

In the same occasion, Hon. Casan Maquiling of Lanao del Norte Provincial Council delivered the message of Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo congratulating and wishing the brigade for its continued good performance in its role of protecting the lives of people. General Alexander Yano the Chief of Staff, AFP also personally sent via text his message of congratulations and admiration to the 104^th Brigade.

As the brigade commemorates its 8^th Anniversary, skirmishes were being reported from its frontline units running after the lawless band of Bravo between the boundaries of the two Lanao Provinces.

The 4^th Brigade of the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army was activated on 26 October 2000 to neutralize the Abu Sayaff Group, bandits operating in Sulu and Tawi Tawi Provinces. On 29 January 2008, the brigade was redeployed and given Lanao del Norte as its area of responsibility. In the aftermath of the 18 August atrocity caused by the group of Abdullah Macapaar aka Bravo, the brigade was among the units tasked to neutralize this lawless group. It recently established its advance command post in Barangay Cadulawan of Munai which is considered the gateway to the Camp Bilal Complex of Bravo.

The Role of Media in the Attainment of Lasting Peace in Mindanao

Col Benito T de Leon, Commander of 104th Infantry Brigade in Lanao del Norte, guested as speaker in the Civil Society Organization-Media Fellowship Night on 24 October 2008 at Maria Cristina Hotel, Iligan City.

The forum endeavored to solicit and exchange views among civil society and the media participants, mostly from Northern Mindanao, in understanding “The Role of Media in the Attainment of Lasting Peace in Mindanao.”

Other key speakers were: Jun Torres Jr, the President of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Managing Editor of GMANews TV; Atty Ver Quimco, President of Call for Justice, a human rights civil society organization, and a commentator for the Love Radio; Jane Bernardo and Jun Enriquez, President and Vice-President , respectively, of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace (CSO-FP).
Message of Col de Leon

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Political Science Politics media peace

Lanao Executives, Military and US Forces Excited Over Projects

Tubod, Lanao del Norte (17 October). In a bid to explore and take advantage of available support to assist in the developmental projects in Lanao del Norte, local military authorities along with their American counterparts sought audience with Provincial Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo who was just as excited to engage.

The commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade, Colonel Benito de Leon, based in the province introduced United States Army Captain Christian Knutzen and his team who were there to determine appropriate projects that the US Government will support to benefit the populace. Captain Knutzen heads the American team, the Liaison Coordination Element 1233 based in Marawi City, under the Special Operations Task Force 12 of the US Army. This team’s mission is to assist in civil-military projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addition to training exchanges with the local security forces in the area.

In a hastily convened meeting attended by the municipal mayors and jointly presided by the governor and 2^nd District Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo of the province, De Leon justified the presence of the Americans as part of the Visiting Forces Agreement and in pursuit of their national interest of extending humanitarian aid to promote security. Knutzen, on the other hand, explains that they work through the local military in undertaking projects which may include roads, school buildings, and conducting medical and dental activities. The American officer also informs that Poona Piagapo, one of the troubled municipalities of the province, was earlier nominated to his headquarters for an allocation package to improve its roads. This and the upcoming projects intended to benefit the majority should help bring peace and development in the area, he hopes.

Considering the eager and various representations for projects from the mayors, Governor Dimaporo advised that proposals should be those that contribute to stability in the area. Congressman Dimaporo likewise promised to seek the inclusion of other projects in the Calendar Year 2009 Budget presently being deliberated in Congress.

Psychological Security Challenge in Lanao del Norte

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AFP Commemorates its 18th Code of Ethics Day

(Iligan, 13 October) The usual morning colors of the troops at 104^th Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Lanao del Norte, this Monday, was additionally marked with the renewal of the oath of adherence to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Code of Ethics and the reading of the message of General Alexander Yano, the AFP Chief of Staff.

Similar scenes could be observed in military bases nationwide as the AFP commemorates its 18^th Code of Ethics Day.

Colonel Benito de Leon, the Commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade, reminisced in his message how he along with about a hundred delegates from the army, navy, air force, and constabulary services of the AFP gathered in 1990 to formulate the code. He explains that it was important to establish and define the values and beliefs of a military professional: the varied interpretations of it across the services were identified as a cause of the series of past mutinies.

De Leon further recalls that the formulation process was facilitated by the Organization Development Associates Internationale headed by Dr. Antonio Roldan Jr. where delegates of different ranks and in civilian attire identified, debated, defined, and agreed on the provisions for inclusion in the proposed code. The draft was circulated for comments, and was eventually ratified by the AFP members and adopted in 1991 identifying the core values as “honor, loyalty, valor, duty, and solidarity.”

“Each of us should seriously imbibe the true meaning of the creed we have to live by so as to deserve being a professional member of the AFP,” exhorts De Leon in his message to his troops.

Meanwhile, General Yano underscored the importance of the day in his message, “With the prevailing situation unfolding, I am certain that today’s celebration of the AFP Code of Ethics Day will allow us to understand more the enormous challenge of defining and explaining our moral convictions and responsibility to public trust.”

NGO, CSO & Army Meet to Address IDPs

Iligan City (12 October) Non-Government and Civil Society Organizations with military authorities met Saturday to discuss the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Lanao Provinces.

The consultation and dialogue initiated by the Institute of Peace and Development for Mindanao of MSU-IIT focused on “How Best to Address the Welfare of Maranaw IDPs and Other Issues and Concerns Related to the Recent Resumption of Conflicts in Lanao.” This was held in Elena Tower Inn and facilitated by Professors Malou Nanaman and Saturnina “Bebot” Rodil. The meeting was one of the series to bridge actions among sectors and institutions in contributing to stability to various communities.

The engaging dialogue raised various issues and concerns of the effects of the on-going hostilities on affected communities. The general clamor during the forum was to put an end to the hostilities. It, likewise, revealed that NGOs and CSOs found it challenging to assist the displaced individuals not only due to the prevailing security situation but also due to the inaccessibility of local executives. Another dilemma was in locating and supporting the IDPs evacuating particularly in Lanao del Sur who chose staying with their relatives than at evacuation sites. Some sectors also claimed that the lack of support for IDPs in Lanao del Sur is attributed to the non-declaration of the province as a calamity area. Moreover, the discussions also exposed an emerging concern, posing another challenge to local administrators, on the developing preference among IDPs to stay in evacuation sites owing to free food and better shelter.

For the part of the military, Colonel Benito de Leon, the Commander of 104^th Infantry Brigade based in Lanao del Norte, informed the participants that his forces while still are running after the rogue band of Bravo are also currently assisting local executives and other sectors in facilitating the return of those displaced by the hostilities in Lanao del Norte. He assured the participants that the military will always ensure the safety and well-being of civilians even as they pursue the lawless groups. He urged the NGOs and CSOs to coordinate or discuss with the military their concerns, especially on security, so as to identify areas where they could cooperate on. He emphasized that one of the military’s priorities is to also assist in establishing the return of normal conditions in the area at the soonest possible time.

Hostilities in the Lanao Provinces erupted following the rampage of the Lawless MILF Group led by Abdullah Makapaar aka Bravo in the coastal towns of Lanao del Norte last 18 August. The military was tasked to assist in the law enforcement operations against Bravo’s group. The ensuing skirmishes between the armed groups resulted in a number of IDPs. Various NGOs and CSOs came in to attend to those displaced by the conflict in addition to the similar efforts by the concerned government agencies.

Delivering a Commitment

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Project ISLAM Gets Warm Welcome in Southern Philippines

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 9, 2008) – Christians and Muslims gathered at a village in Lanao del Norte’s Kauswagan town to welcome the members of the Christian Ministerial Fellowship who visited them as part of a humanitarian outreach mission in Mindanao.

Provincial government and military officials joined the fellowship visit headed by Pastor Peter Robert Matalinis in the village of Delabayan to nurture and promote one of the successful peace building initiatives in the aftermath of the war in 2000 between soldiers and rebels.

The Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade under Col. Benito de Leon has largely assisted in the successful mission dubbed as “Project ISLAM” which stands for “I Sincerely Love All Muslims.

The project was started by Lt. Col. Johnny Macanas, then with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division to help the Muslim village recover from the devastation war. The village was one of those worst affected by the fighting during the administration of President Joseph Estrada.

“One of our thrust in 104th Infantry Brigade is to explore and promote all avenues of peaceful undertakings that may hasten unity and harmony in conflict areas,” said Captain Alonto Maamo, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 104th Infantry Brigade.

He said the projects included housing, madrasa, mosques, school building, and potable water system for residents of Delabayan.

Educational scholarships were also awarded to the locals in support to the army’s literacy program. “Significantly, this project has paved the way for both Christians and Muslims to undertake symbiotic activities that benefited each other.”

“The military along with the Christian Ministerial Fellowship plans to replicate the project in other areas to help put in place the conditions for lasting peace among Christian and Muslim communities,’ Maamo said.

Just recently, President Gloria Arroyo also ordered the distribution of sleeping bags to soldiers to protect them from colds and harsh weather condition in Lanao del Norte. Also the military handed over new machine guns for soldiers as part of its upgrading program.

“We thank the President and our military leaders for their continued support to the troops,” said Col. De Leon. (With a report from Merlyn Manos)