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.

A happy and peaceful Easter

After riding on our bikes and surveying the surroundings, I went to join my men on the beach. I have earlier approved the “beach party,” in observance of the customary affair of families to cool-off from the summer heat, timed with the celebration of Easter. While traveling, I saw traffic building up—all heading for the beach—a common scene throughout the country at the end of the Holy Week.







The beach was indeed full of people. I enjoyed seeing them especially the children playing either with the sand or on the waves. For my troops, it seemed that my presence alone already made them happy. So I joined them on their tables for banter with their families posing for photo shots with them. Noting a number of children, we paid on wholesale the contents of a passing local ice cream cart—to the delight of the vendor. However, the children were more thrilled as they ganged up for their free share. Later, we feasted on the potlucks prepared by the soldiers and their families.

I left them to enjoy a dip in the tempting sea and to give them more time with their families and friends. From there, I checked on the nearby resorts and found all these to be also packed with people. I was happy with the thought that the locals now find time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the day with their loved ones. I mused at how this peaceful condition came about: by those who courageously faced the perceived uncertain situation; by those who exerted all efforts to ensure the peace; and by the security forces, including the soldiers, who stood on guard and patrolled the countryside to protect the communities.

May the meaning of this day give us more vigor to renew our pursuit for peace in the land. Happy Easter Sunday to all.