Reintegrating our wayward brothers

Over the weekend, I joined Major General Romeo Lustestica—Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division—in accepting another batch of former separatist rebels which yielded to one of my forces in Lanao del Norte.

Lt Col Jones Agustin of the 32nd Infantry Battalion presented them along with their firearms to General Lustestica. Later, Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo administered the oath of allegiance to the former rebels.

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The former rebels appeared tired, but hopeful of their future. Their leaders who spoke during the ceremony affirmed their plight and justified that they were misled by the MILF. With their defection, they requested that they be given opportunities to serve as policemen or with the CAFGUs, to access scholarship programs including available livelihood packages.

At that time, Governor Dimaporo announced that he is currently working on the similar requests including a proposed resettlement area for the group of Mabaning Lucsadatu, an MILF brigade commander, who surrendered earlier. He reports that initial arrangements have already been done with the Mindanao State University for scholarships. He explains that for the other items, however, certain requirements and legal processes will have to be complied. Nevertheless, the new group cheered when he promised to work on similar packages for them.

Unlike the NPA which are accorded with a Social Integration Program (SIP) for their surrender, MILF rebels don’t have a uniform incentive package prescribed except for the payment of firearms they surrender to government. Other incentives or assistance depend upon the appreciation and resourcefulness of Local Government Executives.
Despite this, the military will continue to welcome and reintegrating our wayward brothers with the help of the different sectors of society if only to hasten their peaceful return to the communities and make them more productive citizens.

Perhaps, we can draw inspiration from the lines in the acceptance speech of General Lustestica which is translated and rephrased—“Let us make this as a model so we can encourage the return to the folds of the government our other brothers who continue to believe in an armed and bloody confrontation. Let us give them and their families a place in our society for them to have peaceful lives under the democracy we enjoy.”

Message of Division Commander

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New Year's Call & the Best Brigade

As it is the custom in the military, the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division held its New Year's Call for its subordinate units, but it was finally scheduled only last 20 January 2009 at its headquarters in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Attributed to the delay were other priorities that have to be attended to. Even with the adjustments, MGen Nehemias Pajarito, the Division Commander was not around to receive his subordinates due to the passing of his mother. Instead, BGen Jovencio Magalso, the Assistant Division Commander, received the callers and delivered the Commander's Message.

(L-R): Col Emmanuel Bautista-9RCDG Cmdr; Col Santiago Baluyot-TF Zamboanga Cmdr; Col Rey Ardo-103rd Bde Cmdr; Col Rolando Tenefrancia-CofS,1st Div, BGen Jovencio Magalso-Assistant Div Cmdr, 1ID; Col Alexander Dicang-102nd Bde Cmdr; myself; Col Roland Amarille-101st Bde Cmdr; Col Nicanor Dolojan-403rd Bde Cmdr; and, Col Rizaldy Salimbangon-IG, 1st Div.

After exchanging pleasantries with the other attendees, we assessed the year that was and charted our future directions. At that time, it was revealed that 104th (my unit) topped the other brigades within the 1st Division for the 3rd Quarter of CY 2008 Best-Best Evaluation; 35IB, a unit under 104th, placed second of the 10 battalions in their category. This came as a pleasant surprise unaware of the competition and the parameters.

Even as we celebrate in having secured for 104th Infantry Brigade the throne as the Best Brigade of the 1st Division for the rated period, admittedly capturing the rogue elements of the MILF had been quite a challenge.

While the honor is shared by all the soldiers of 104th who contributed in a way to this achievement, I reflect "Can 104th maintain the bar we have already set?" Perhaps, that is secondary to what is expected of us to deliver--the mission.

To all Sultan Warriors, congratulations and carry on.

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).

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.

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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Also in Philippine Army Website

Also in AFP Website

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.

Caught conferring with US troops

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

Army Sultan Commander Assumes

Iligan City (9 September). COL BENITO T DE LEON INF (GSC) PA, who holds an honorary Maranao title of Sultan a Romapunot (Peacemaker), assumed the post of BGEN ANTONIO I SUPNET AFP today as Commander, 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army, charged of Lanao del Norte.

The changes in position were approved by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last 30 July 2008. But, its implementation were delayed to ensure smooth transition in the military organization. Col de Leon relinquished his former unit, the Joint Task Force GENSAN, protecting General Santos City only last 18 August, the same day that rogue elements of the MILF pillaged the coastal towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan of Lanao del Norte. Upon arrival at 104th Brigade, the following day, de Leon shortly served as the Deputy Commander of Gen Supnet until the formal change of command. Supnet is subsequently to assume as the Assistant Division Commander of the 7th Infantry Division in Luzon.  

Col de Leon, who now is in his third tour of duty in the Lanao Provinces, earned the title of a Sultan in Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur for his peace efforts during the 2000 MILF hostilities. He admits being overwhelmed by the challenge of the new position as the brigade is now tasked to pursue the Lawless MILF Group in Lanao del Norte. Nonetheless, he adds, "I am extremely pleased to serve the people here once again and contribute in the pursuit of peace and stability that would further hasten development in the Province of Lanao del Norte."

As he promised to commit himself to the mission and take care of his troops, he issued to them the following instructions in his address: 

• First, focus and put to bear all your energies and resources to neutralize the soonest the Lawless MILF Group that have threatened the peace in Lanao del Norte;
  
• Second, enhance linkages with our counterparts in all sectors to generate support in best attaining our mission;
  
• Third, support the thrusts of local government executives which are intended to further benefit the people we serve;
  
• And lastly, in all your undertakings uphold and protect the rights of the citizenry as enshrined in our Constitution by following the AFP Rules of Engagement, Human Rights, and the International Humanitarian Law.
  

The new commander finally called on his men and all sectors "not only to assist in securing peace and development in our time, for our sakes and our children, but in building a better future for the coming generations."

104th Brigade is now composed of 4 Infantry Battalions, aside from its other combat and support complement, from the original 2 battalions to hunt down the rogue MILF elements: 10th Infantry Battalion under LTC JOHN JURADO; 32IB, LTC EDWIN RESPECIO; 35IB, LTC JOSE FAUSTINO; and, 43IB of the 8th Infantry Division augmented from the Visayas led by LTC JUVYMAX UY.

The change of command ceremony was presided by MGEN NEHEMIAS G PAJARITO, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division. Witnessing the occasion were the following: LTGEN NELSON B ALLAGA, the Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM); BGEN HILARIO A ATENDIDO, the Assistant 1st Division Commander for Operations, and Commander of the recently deactivated Task Force Tabak responsible for the Lanao Provinces; COL REY ARDO, Commander of 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, whose area is Lanao Sur, a classmate of de Leon in the Philippine Military Academy batch of 1981; other senior officers, enlisted personnel, local political leaders, and guests.

View Assumption Remarks

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