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.

"To make a difference"

"To make a difference" was how Ms. Marit Stinus-Remonde, District Governor of Kiwanis International, described the purpose of her visit at 104th Infantry Brigade area in Lanao del Norte last February 6. Her visit was long delayed due to the violent incidents that rocked the province.

It is then understandable that her husband, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, was seemingly reluctant to have her visit the place. After visiting Kiwanis in Iligan City, she insisted to see what life is in the land of the Maranaos particularly in the hinterland barangays. I then brought her Kiwanis group to visit Barangay Delabayan of Kauswagan. The barangay had served as a model of interfaith activities with starting with the “Project Islam.” (Islam meant “I Sincerely Love All Muslims.”) At Delabayan, she met with its traditional leader—Sultan Moner—who explained their condition; talked to the local folks; and visited the schools. She also conferred with Musa Sanguila, director of Pakigdait Inc, an interfaith NGO which was doing civic work at Barangay Tacub. Her last stop was at the brigade headquarters where she took time to engage with my officers. And in several instances, I noticed her quietly taking notes. At one point, she turned to her fellow Kiwanians saying that Delabayan was a doable place for their initial community projects outside Iligan City.

I first met Marit when I was still the Chief of Staff of the 10th Infantry Division based in Davao City. I have noted her active participation in several civic activities, and in many occasions partnered with Army units to deliver assistance to the communities. Hence, I was then quite glad when she volunteered to extend the same assistance within my area.

Indeed, more civic projects should be directed towards the hinterlands communities—where small things can “create extraordinary life-changing moments.”

To the Kiwanis and the other NGOs, thank you all in behalf of the people here! Your civic activities and even just your plain visits to the remote communities show that we care for them. Surely, this will go a long way “to make a difference.”

Meeting with Nur: nurturing peace

Journalist Ted Khan Juanite was cleared to use this posting which was then published as "Army's Col. de Leon meets MNLF Chairman Misuari - for nurturing peace" in Mindanao Scoop, Vol XLI, Iligan City, 22 February 2009, pp. 1 & 6.
















A crowd had already gathered to meet Professor Nur Misuari as I arrived at the Sanguila residence in Kauswagan town of Lanao del Norte. As this was within the area of the 104th Infantry Brigade, it was my responsibility to ensure the observance of the prescribed protocols for this gathering. Everything was in order. Musa Sanguila, his nephew, met and guided me through the guests, and informed me that Misuari awaits my arrival.

Face to face with Misuari I said, "Bapa Tuan, it's a pleasure to meet you." I then introduced myself and the officers accompanying me. The February 4 meeting was quite cordial. I took the occasion to explain the role of the military in maintaining peace in the area to allow for conflicting parties to calmly resolve the issues in a civil manner. For his part, he explained that his visit in the area are consultative in nature: to gather inputs in the pursuit of peace.

My key staff officers who were formerly with the MNLF--some of whom were his aides then--but are now with the Philippine Army through the 1996 MNLF Integration Program accompanied me to this meeting. As I presented them to him, he declared, "You can trust them." I responded, "With my life."

Satisfied that I had fulfilled my duties and sensing many are still wanting to talk to him, I requested leave. However, he insisted that I stay for a while. The ensuing discussions deepened my understanding of the man who led the MNLF separatist movement which I fought in my younger days. Surely, his thoughts clarified the issues we confront, and added an insight of how to pursue peace in this area.

As I departed amid the rains, my thoughts were occupied by that brief meeting and how we could achieve and nurture peace. Wassallam.

NGO asked to help IDPs

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PA Website: Army appeals to a micro-financing organization to help IDPs in Mindanao

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.

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.

Army pursues sectoral linkages

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