ICC Dispatch - Thursday, November 20, 2008

CGPA urges troops to observe highest degree of discipline

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 20 – The Commanding General of the Philippine Army (PCGA) has urged his troops on the ground to observe and maintain the highest degree of military discipline throughout their tour of duty.

“I always emphasize on discipline as the key to military professionalism whenever I visit camps like this in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City,” Lt General Victor S. Ibrado, CGPA said.

He told the military officers and field commanders of the 3rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, First Infantry Division (103rd Bde), PA, that it is always mandated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect the state and the Filipino people at all times.

“Every soldier is mandated to observe the highest form of discipline and the AFP has provided them with guns and support armaments in order to protect the state and the people against insurgencies and rebellions,” he also said.

The PCGA has visited Kampo Ranao on invitation of Col Rey C. Ardo, Commander of 103rd Bde to receive the newly constructed administrative building donated by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur (LDS).

The Php2.1million worth of building was turned-over Nov. 20, 2008 to the CGPA by the provincial officials led by LDS Administrator Mocamad Rakiin during a brief ceremony inside Kampo Ranao.

The CGPA also led the cornerstone-laying and groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed one (1) unit Enlisted Personnel (EP) barracks inside the camp. (RTD/PIA-Marawi)


Lanao Sur turns over Php2.1 million worth of buildings to 103rd Bde, PA

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 20 – At least Php2.1 million worth of building facilities have been turned over to the 3rd Infantry Brigade, First Infantry Division (103rd Bde), Philippine Army, at Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

Col. Rey C. Ardo, 103rd Bde Commander, said the facilities, the construction of which started last June, have been donated by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur through Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr. during the inaugural rites in the camp on Nov. 20, 2008.

Ardo said the facilities will give permanence to the camp facilities for use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units who will be occupying the camp.

These facilities include the construction of the administration building annex, conference room, receiving area, water system and facilities, electrical system, drainage system, camp posts, perimeter fences, officer’s quarters and mess hall.

“In fact, the new admin building which has replaced the Kobe-type we’ve been temporarily using will now help realize our vision, in recognition of the AFP’s efforts in attaining peace and development of the province, ” Ardo said.

Formerly called Camp Keithly during the American period, Kampo Ranao has been established as a military camp which occupies an area of 4,687 ha. military reservation and is now home to the 103rd (Haribon) Bde.

Ardo said as AFP units come and go in the camp, without custodial unit to oversee the base development and maintenance, the camp’s facilities has always been temporary structures. However, with all these new constructions, these facilities have now become permanent.

Meanwhile, part of the turn-over ceremony was the unveiling of the marker of the new admin building and that of the Brigade Grandstand which was donated by the late Gov. Mamintal Adiong Sr., father of the present LDS governor. (RCA/PIA10)


Christmas break starts first week of December for Army troops

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 20 – The situation in Lanao del Norte (LDN) is not just for the military alone to solve but needs a multi agency cooperative approach in order to come up with a sustainable solution to the problem.

This was emphasized by Maj. Benedicto Manquiquis, Commander of the First Civil Military Operations (CMO) Unit, CMO Group, Philippine Army, during a media forum at the Information Command Center (ICC), Philippine Information Agency, this city.

“Let us remember that this law enforcement operations against the lawless MILF group (LMG) of Bravo is not supposed to be the job of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but of the Philippine National Police (PNP),” he said.

However, the firearms of the PNP is no match to those used by the LMG who conducted the atrocities in Kauswagan and Kolambugan, LDN, last Aug. 18, who were heavily armed, that is why the AFP came into the picture.

“Dahil sa dami ng kanilang armas, kami yung nakipaglaban sa kanila (Because of the number of their firearms, it is now the Philippine Army who running after them),” Manquiquis said.

Because of the seriousness to solve the problem, once and for all, we will celebrate Christmas either before or after Dec. 25. That is the reality that all the Army troops in the Lanao provinces have accepted.

“So we have started to schedule the Christmas leave of the soldiers. Some will be going home for the break starting the first week of December, on until the New Year and others already in the month of February,” Manquiquis added. (RCA/PIA10)


AFP notes 49 encounters with LMG since the Aug. 18 atrocities

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 20 – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in the two (2) Lanao provinces will continue its law enforcement operations against the lawless MILF group (LMG).

Maj. Benedicto Manquiquis, Commander of the First Civil Military Operations (CMO) Unit, CMO Group, Philippine Army, said, at present there are a total of 606 MILF affected barangays or 37% of the total 1,630 barangays in the Lanao provinces.

He said that since the start of the LMG atrocities in Lanao del Norte (LDN) last Aug. 18 and the subsequent campaign against the group of Bravo, the AFP has registered 49 encounters against the enemy.

These engagements were translated to the killings of the 46 LMG members, wounding of 21 and the capture of 10 others, Manquiquis said.

Aside from that, the AFP also recovered 27 assorted firearms and seized 22 LMG camps while the government troops suffered six (6) killed in action (KIA) and 53 wounded in action (WIA).

But due to the continued lawless enforcement operations against the LMG, they are now on the run evading capture or destruction.

Meanwhile, Manquiquis said large deployment of the LMG elements were continuously monitored in the area mapping out their forces of action for their plan to conduct terror action against the government troops and vital installations.

It was noted that the LMG have been monitored planning to conduct attacks targeting the Christian-dominated places particularly those in the coastal areas where commercial establishments and government installations are located.

“These groups are also reportedly awaiting orders from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership for the implementation of the said plan,” Manquiquis said.

On the other hand, the local government units (LGU) of LDN have been given instruction to convince the internally displaced persons (IDP) to return to their places of origin as the military have already given them assurances of a safe way back home.

Manquiquis said they have actually asked the Punong Barangays (Barangay Captains) to submit the list of legitimate residents of their respective barangays which would be made the basis for the issuance of safe conduct passes of these IDP’s. (OSM - Radyo ng Bayan)


Attacks vs govt. troops in Lanao Sur, a diversionary tactic –MGen Pajarito

ICC Iligan City, Nov. 20 – The recent encounter in Wao, Lanao del Sur between government troops and the lawless MILF group is to divert the attention away from their LMG leaders Bravo in Lanao del Norte and Umbra Kato in Cotabato.

Or, it could have been a ploy to establish the LMG presence in the area due to its bountiful rice harvest considering reports that they have run out of food supply in their hideouts.

This is the assessment of Maj. Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, Commander of the First Infantry Division (1ID), Philippine Army, who said these LMG’s are expected to continue with their guerilla warfare primarily avoiding confrontation with government troops while enhancing their logistical build-up.

However, although their capability in the Lanao provinces have been reduced due to the continuous law enforcement operations, their basic capability to conduct attacks at soft target is still intact, Pajarito said.

He said the LMG is now maintaining a low-profile stance and avoiding head on skirmishes with government troops but will conduct counter-attack when provoked, as they intend to make their presence felt and project that they are still a force to reckon with.

The threat posed by the LMG with support from other sympathetic Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) groups cannot be underestimated, as they are still capable to resort to bombing operations in key cities and other populated areas for maximum damages and effect.

They are also expected to monitor the course of the peace talks and will serve as bargaining force for the mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front in asserting their demands.

But Pajarito, whose troops have been assigned in both the Lanao provinces, assured the overall situation in these areas is manageable.

Meanwhile, he said unless a genuine comprehensive agreement is made with the MILF and the rogue lawless MILF group (LMG) leaders are punished or neutralized, a lasting peace in the Lanao areas remain elusive and farfetched. (RCA/PIA10)


RP-US Armies team up for projects in Lanao

Tubod, Lanao del Norte (20 November) - Local military and American counterparts met with the officials of Lanao del Norte yesterday to update on the projects being undertaken in the province.

Army 104th Brigade Commander Col. Benito de Leon accompanied US Army Captain Christian Knutzen in a meeting with Governor Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte to present the list of projects being considered in the province.

Knutzen reports that a 27 kilometer road had been approved by his government to be built passing through three towns: starting from Kauswagan by the coast through Matunggao and leading farther inland to Poona Piagapo.

The survey prior to actual implementation of the road project is to take place within a few days. Both military officers also presented to the governor the consolidated list of plans mostly infrastructure projects as proposed by the different municipal mayors in the province.

The proposed projects, however, will still be subject to scrutiny before its nomination for approval of the US government.

Knutzen is a part of the US military stationed in the area in line with the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement. His group undertakes civil-military activities in support of the local military particularly in development projects to hasten stability in conflict areas.

They have also been noted to carry out medical missions mostly in the depressed areas.
At the same time, De Leon also disclosed to the governor that plans on are underway, on instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to build a military camp in the hinterland municipality of Poona Piagapo.

This town was the site of Camp Bilal which MILF Commander Bravo had previously controlled. The camp was earlier allowed as an area of temporary stay for Bravo’s group with the ongoing GRP-MILF peace negotiations, but was eventually denied him after his pillage of Kolambugan and Kauswagan towns last 18 August.

“We are optimistic that the planned development of the area will address the security issues associated with its inaccessibility, and will eventually usher in economic activity to benefit the locals,” De Leon said.


ZamboPen, ARMM broadcasters get 3-day orientation on RP-NFP
Gov Dimaporo okeys ACC

ICC, Pagadian, Zamboanga City, Nov20 - Close to 40 local broadcasters all over Zamboanga Peninsula region and the ARMM attended a 3-day “Orientation on Responsible Parenthood-Natural Family Planning using the broadcasters manual” held on Nov. 16-18 at Garden Orchid Hotel, this city.

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) in partnership with the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) spearheaded the activity that brought together the local media practitioners, specifically, radio broadcasters, in an effort to spread knowledge on Responsible Parenthood, Respect for Life, Birth Spacing, Breast feeding and Informed Choice.

The orientation was a new learning experience for most of the radio broadcasters-participants who admitted that the methodology presented and topics discussed in the training were something that they have never known before and is a welcome knowledge and idea that they promised to share to their respective radio listeners soon as they go back to their respective areas. With this in mind, radio listeners specially couples will be aware of their basic responsibilities as parents, making them alert of there responsibility and commitment towards their family, neighbors, community, society, and the nation as a whole and promoting responsible parenting as a way of life towards the attainment of sustainable human development
The project successfully carried out its objective which is: to Explain Population & Development Perspective in the Philippine context; popularize the four pillars of Responsible Parenthood, Respect for Life, Birth Spacing, Breast feeding and Informed Choice; Demonstrate skills in processing information for broadcast purposes and Develop a plan for continuing action and capacity-building on responsible parenthood-natural family planning.

The project aims to create champions among radio broadcasters whose coverage is vast.
Rigid workshops were done during the 3-day orientation to ensure that broadcaster-participants were properly equip with RP-NFP information and a heightened level of awareness in methods of natural family planning, birth spacing and fertility management.
The design of the workshops was carefully prepared to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved, advocacy skills are honed, and advocacy plans are crafted.

POPCOM is implementing the project nationwide in close partnership with PNGOC, with the end in view to develop MEDIA CHAMPIONS in adhering to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's statement that guide the Philippine government in the implementation of population program.

Speakers during the 3-day activity were Mr. Tomas Osias, Executive Director, POPCOM with topic on Population Development Perspective; Mr. Maduh Damsani, Regional Director, POPCOM RPO XI with topic on Overview on Responsible Parenthood and Natural Family Planning Program; Mr. Gerneil Concepcion, Nurse V, DOH on Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning Methods; Ms. Fe Nicodemus, Chairperson, KAKAMMPI on Role of Media in Popularizing Issues on Responsible Parenthood and Guidelines/Tips in Reporting Stories and Mr. Cecil Abuy, POPCOM IX on Development of “Taglines”, Overview/Guides to action planning. (J. P Alvarez / PIA ZC)


Gov Dimaporo okeys ACC

ICC,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 104th 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.