Welcoming our prodigal brothers

Reminiscent of the story of the “prodigal son,” this time to our Filipino brothers, I along with my division commander and the provincial governor received the group of Mabaning Andamun Lucsadato.

Mabaning, known as either Benjie or Protector—the highest ranking commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who has so far defected to the government— is the commander of the 101st Brigade of the former Camp Bilal Base Command of the MILF Northern Mindanao Front. His group served as guards of the former the camp’s complex covering the towns of Munai and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del North and further south in Piagapo and Madalum in Lanao del Sur.

His forces, while not under the control of Abdullah Macapaar alias Bravo, have given support—security, manpower, and supplies—to the MILF activities in the area. Bravo’s group has been outlawed and is being sought after for attacking the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte in August 2008, killing 26 people and burning several houses.

See related articles at Philippine Army Website, Inquirer.Net, Journal Online, Business Mirror, ManilaTimes, PIA, and AFP Website (PDF).

Benjie came to me about a week ago saying he and his group wanted to lay down their firearms and return to our fold. He said he was tired of fighting and always on the run. He wanted to go back to his family whom he had neglected for being a leader of the MILF. I welcomed his intentions, telling him it was an honorable thing to do.






I told him that he and his men are better off joining the government to pursue more productive activities for their own families and their respective communities instead of wasting their time and energies in a shooting war with government forces—even as the lives of their families and the ordinary civilians have been caught in between. Their return will surely go a long way in reducing the threat posed by the outlaws in the area, hasten a climate of peace, and help build better communities in the province.

The decision of Benjie and his group to return is a victory on their part as well as of their families as they made a bold but beneficial move to help our society. We, in the military also share this achievement since this is in pursuit of the priorities set by the 1st Division Commander, Major General Romeo Lustestica, in upholding the peace process while taking punitive as well as restrictive measures against the lawless group of the MILF. Similarly, this is surely a welcome occasion by our local government executives with no less than the governor strongly promoting the establishment of a secure and peaceful condition so progress and development can take place in Lanao del Norte.




Perhaps, it is either by coincidence or by deliberate hostile action that the nearby Agus Bridge was blasted few hours before their formal welcome. Despite this, the ceremony—in the presence of their families whom we have invited—pushed through with their presentation to the public and the symbolic acceptance of the group by the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; subsequently, they were turned over to our political leader, the Governor of Lanao del Norte—Honorable Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo—who administered their oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines to indicate their return to our society.

On their own, the former rebels shed their MILF uniforms and burned them.

Welcome back to the fold.

A full day

“How beautiful is the morning…”—the first line of the song usually sang in a “maňanita”—from voices entering my window, and filling my room, roused me from sleep. It was 4 in the morning of the 21st of March, a Saturday. I went out to see my officers, men and a few of their dependents who came to serenade and greet me on my birthday.

After an exchange of pleasantries over some native delicacies, I took leave to attend a workshop forum promoting interfaith dialogue and peace building hosted by the United Religions Initiative South East Asia and the Pacific (URI-SEAP) and Pakigdait Inc. in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Entitled “Awakening the Moral Imagination for Grassroots Community Dialogue and Peacebuilding in Mindanao,” I would not like to miss it considering its importance to my duties. More so, the participants were peace builders from all over the Philippines particularly in Mindanao, and with foreign delegates from URI-SEAP.

On the way, I took the time to respond to the streaming messages and calls from my superiors, subordinates, and friends including those from my family greeting me. This continued until after the following day which started even days before. I felt helpless in responding to the messages even just with a simple “Thanks”: it was as if it is Christmas or New Year once again.

It took us almost two hours to reach the site with the many road repairs being made.

My participation in the forum gave me the chance to clarify the activities of the Army in building peace. It also gave me the chance to reach out to other participants and reconcile with those who had sad experiences with the military. Despite this, they found time to render songs on the occasion of my day. The insights and the acquaintances I gained were already invaluable gifts I could have for my birthday. Once again, I had to cut short my attendance: this time, to return to my headquarters and be with my troops who were preparing a gathering with friends.
















With no chance to change out of uniform and just in time for dinner, which I had asked that it be turned into socials for the personnel of the brigade headquarters, I led the blowing of candles along with those celebrating their birthdays for the 1st Quarter of the year. They included Captain Al Maamo, the Brigade Civil Military Relations Officer (March 20); Colonel Gerry Barrientos, the Deputy Brigade Commander (March 22); Major Efren Morados, the Brigade Executive Officer (January 17); and, 14 other enlisted personnel.

We listened to the songs of the eager media, observant guests, and the patient soldiers until the clock struck midnight. This signaled that it is now Gerry’s time to be serenaded. I went to bed exhausted but fulfilled with the activities that made my day full: with my soldiers, with the community, and with my friends. I had to recharge thinking of another full day ahead—I was to be the guest speaker in the 60th Anniversary of Lala Municipality.

Check the interesting trivia Violy had posted of the day. Thank you all for your good wishes and for a fulfilling day!

Walking, its meaning to peace

I had the chance to attend the “Panagtagbo Alang sa Kalinaw”—a meeting of multi-cultures and religions in a unity walk—a culminating activity of the month-long commemoration of peace for Lanao del Norte.














The activity was hosted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte in cooperation with Pakigdait Incorporated and the Civil Society Organization of Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development (CSOLN-PPD). This was attended by various organizations from the civil society, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Rev. Canon Charles Gibbs, Executive Director of United Religions Initiative, along with Leaders of Cooperation Circles from Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand also participated in the event.

In this occasion, I spoke about how walking relates to peace--inspired by a deeper personal meaning. A healing process for me which is also what we may need to resolve conflict.



Message on Peace and Unity Walk

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Presentations & Slid peace unity

"At your service across the land"

Senior Army commanders met for a 3-day conference to address the challenges confronting the Army. This 6th Senior Leaders Conference is part of the activities lined-up in commemoration of the 112th Anniversary of the Philippine Army.

The gathering was an excellent way to exchange notes from commanders all over the country while renewing bonds that ensure team spirit. Surely, this will go a long way for the Army to live to its motto: "at your service across the land."

My classmates, the Army Group of PMA Class of 1981, also took the occasion to pursue the same. Ten of us are each,presently, commanding an Infantry Brigade of the 31 of such units across the archipelago. The others are sure to follow. Only the best.

Partnering with the civil sector

“How do you think we are able to maximize the presence of the partners from Civil Society, Church groups, Business?” This was the central question posed when asked to share my views in a discussion with other stakeholders on the recent events in Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The forum with the theme “Learning from the Commanders”, sponsored by Balay Mindanao Foundation Incorporated, intended to help the participants gain a better understanding of the situation. It was hoped that the inputs can help in defining key strategies and the strengthening of partnerships. Colonel Nicanor Dolojan, the Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade based in Bukidnon also came to share his views.















To my mind, it was easy to maximize partnerships between the military and the civil sector as both have common aspirations: serving the interest of the society. For one, the final goal of all military activities is “to assist in the establishment of a physically and psychologically secure environment conducive to national growth and development.” On the other hand, the civil sector has similar objectives only worded and pursued differently. An example of this would be that of Balay Mindanao which has the key words “Kaangayan, Kalambuan, Kalinaw ... sa Mindanaw, sa Pilipinas, sa Kalibutan (which can be taken as orderliness, development, peace … in Mindanao, in the Philippines, in the world) … Helping Build Empowered and Sustainable Communities in Mindanao. Helping Build Peace.”

Even as I suggested some specific approaches for the participants to pursue, I also advised all stakeholders to identify and promote common interest areas for collaboration, partnership and cooperation. I think, this is key to maximizing the presence of all stakeholders either to supplement or complement each other’s activities including that of government.

On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Army, I then committed my full support for their activities particularly found within my organization’s area of responsibility (Lanao del Norte)—if only to deliver the best service to our people.











I have then enjoined the participants to visit me at my headquarters and pursue the discussions. I am also extending the same to other interested groups for us to exchange notes on ‘my porch’ at the 104th Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Iligan City. Coffee or tea will be served.




See also a related SunStar article “People’s participation ‘key’ to peace” by Bong Fabe.

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.

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.

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.