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.

Securing & touring on a bike

How do we continue performing our duties—in securing the communities—and make our tasks enjoyable especially this Lenten Season? There should be a way. As I thought of the available options on my porch, my attention strayed to the mountain bike parked beside me. Why not on a bike?

We have recently overcome the arduous and daunting route from Overton to the Brigade Headquarters in Maria Cristina, Iligan City: a 4-kilometer stretch taking an average biker, with an attitude, about 30 minutes to negotiate the steady climb to an altitude of 688 feet from sea level. The additional but longer distance to the city proper which is relatively flat should be more forgiving; more so with the rewarding sense of achievement. Of late, my staff took a keen interest in exploring the nearby communities as they mastered shifting gears of their newly acquired bikes. This is a widening fad in the Army not only to maintain physical fitness, but also help in cutting fuel costs when moving inside camps.





So this morning we rode towards the heart of Iligan City to survey the prevailing security condition. Major Efren Morados, the brigade executive officer who is an avid sportsman, took the lead. Weaving from one suburb to another, remaining inconspicuous in our biking attire and devoid of the usual military gear and firearms, we observed the building traffic and the locals emerged from their homes for their daily morning chores. Everything seemed peaceful so we checked on the sites and routes which we seldom see or pass. Friends, who learned we were around, invited us in their homes to partake a hearty breakfast and enjoy the company of their families.

Satisfied of the secure situation in the city, it was time to end our tour and head back to camp on our bikes—a challenge when hurdled is refreshing and self-assuring, as it is also fulfilling.

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.

Peace talks to re-start only if . . .

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Lanao Norte now generally peaceful

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Army pursues sectoral linkages

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