The Groove Band of Davao

Samal Island, Davao del Norte, August 12, 2015 - The Groove band played by Roland, Jannes "Love" and Em. They are very entertaining and enjoyable with the good ambiance of white sand and fresh air along the beach of Samal island and find yourself on relax mode. You can go beyond the songs, the magic of fire with the young men dance with the fire.

Youth Leadership Summit held for Peace and Development

Youth Leadership Summit held for Peace and Development

By Jun Enriquez

Video file: Lt. Col. Anthon G. Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, delivered a message before the youth participants during the opening ceremony of the Youth Leadership Summit 2015, at Suarez National High School, Iligan City.

Iligan City (May 11, 2015) – Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) 2015 was held organized and spearheaded by the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, based in Camp Pintoy Suarez, Iligan City, in cooperation with the local government unit (LGU) of Iligan Cityand the six municipalities of Lanao del Norte, namely, Tagoloan, Balo-i, Matongao, Pantar, Linamon, Pantao Ragat. It is a five-day event started on May 11, 2015 and ended on May 15, 2015. This day was the opening ceremony started with a motorcade at 8:00 O’clock in the morning from Iligan City public plaza going to Camp Pintoy, with the youth participants together with the members of the Barangay councils from the 44 Barangays of Iligan City and the military personnel also joined the event. The opening ceremony was held at Suarez National High School covered court at 2:00 O’clock in the afternoon. This year’s youth leadership summit is bringing with a theme: “Youth Advocates for Peaceful and Progressive Nation.”

In his welcome message, Lt. Col. Anthon G. Abrina, Battalion Commander of the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Philippine Army, said that the purpose of the Youth leadership summit (YLS) is to provide information on youth sector on what was happening in the environment because they are susceptible on exploitation such as the cases on illegal drugs and human trafficking. He said the spirit of cooperation under the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) “Bayanihan” is very important to succeed. The youth summit is participated by 6 municipalities of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City, within the area of responsibility of the 4^th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Philippine Army. Participants are coming from multi-cultural communities of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte comprised the Muslims, Christians and the Lumads.

Lt. Col. Anthon G. Abrina

Abrina said that active support for the event are coming from the LGU of Iligan city, Linamon, Matongao, Pantao Ragat, Balo-i, Pantar and Tagoloan, the House of representative from the lone district of Iligan City, Congressman Vicente “Varf” Belmonte, Jr. and private sectors. The 41^st Mechanized Infantry company have invited 116 participants from Iligan City, the 42^nd Mechanized Infantry company have invited 25 participants from municipality of Balo-I, Pantar and Tagoloan and another participants from 41^st Mechanized Infantry company have invited 25 participants from Linamon, Matongao and Pantao Ragat. Therefore, a total of 166 participants attended the five-day summit.

Acting Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo

Iligan City Acting Mayor Ruderic C. Marzo, was the invited Guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony. He acknowledged the presence of the Barangay officials during the event by sending youth participants for the summit. Marzo said that the objective of the summit is to make the youth of Iligan city and Lanao del Norte aware of what was going on in the surroundings. He said that the summit is very important considering that there are so many things happening around in every second, minute, hour of the day. He said the youth are the future leaders and must be trained to handle different responsibilities that they will have in the future, when they grown up, become professionals, responsible parents, and responsible leaders of our society and government.

Youth participants

Marzo also mentioned about the rampant illegal drugs and the youth are the targets. He also mentioned about the education of the youth that cutting classes is now very normal in most of the students. Education today is very liberal compared to the days of the education in the past was very rigid and strict connotes discipline. He said that it is now become the assumed responsibility of the different stakeholders of education for the development of the youth. Marzo said that he is hoping and looking forward that during this summit all the participants will be participating in every topic discussions and share their ideas excellently, and everyone will learn something. Marzo said there is no reason that the youth today will become the leaders of tomorrow, and become good citizens in this country, a challenge to all the participants.

At left, Col. Gilbert I. Gapay

In a declaration of the opening ceremony, Col, Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, said It’s a major activities under the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) “Bayanihan,” by giving attention and showing that “we care for you”. He said the youth is considered as the most important sector in the society, the saying goes, “Ang kabataan ay pag-asa at kinabukasan ng bayan,” meaning, the youth is the future of our country. Gapay said that the youth are also the most vulnerable sector of the society because they are the targets on criminalities reiterating the menace on illegal drugs and human trafficking. He said they will make them aware on their rights and responsibilities as an active member of the society. Gapay said that the outcome of this activity is to organize them into a youth organization, so that later on in any activity they will have a voice and share their thoughts organically.

Youth participants

Gapay said that there are plenty of sponsors interested on youth development including livelihood trainings because the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also present on this event. Gapay added that the summit is attended by the in school and out of school youth participants, a multi-cultural in nature and its goal is unity among the youth despite cultural diversity for peace and development. With reports and photos by Malyne Gungob.

SRI in cooperation with the British Council mobilize awareness in Community Policing

Video File: Messages of Nicholas Thomas, British Council Country Director
and Kathline Tolosa, Convenor of Security Reform Initiative (SRI), during the signing ceremony
of a contract in the implementation of the Community Policing Initiatives.

Davao City (April 21, 2015) – Awareness program on community policing is now in its impleme;/ntation stage initiated by the Security Reform Initiative, Incorporated (SRI), of the Ateneo de Manila in cooperation with the British Council in the Philippines, launched “The Golden Thread Community Policing Project Partnership”, at the Crown residences, Agdao, Davao City. 

MOA signed: Nicholas Thomas & Kathline Tolosa

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has provided assistance in the peace process through the UK government Golden Thread Funding secured by the British Council towards the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Article 11, Section 11, “The Bangsamoro Police shall adopt community policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining peace and order.”

Phillip Thompson, the Golden Thread Team Leader, a retired Police General in the UK, said that the Golden Thread is focusing on programmes that weave together the values and conditions that lead to more stable, prosperous and ultimately successful societies, including work in open government and society, peace and security, culture and development. The British Council was founded in 1934, with 200 offices in over 100 countries around the world and operated in the Philippines since 1978. The British Council creates opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries with the aim of Building trust and cultural relationships.

At center: Pieter Conje, lead trainer

Thomson said the UK has funded the project delivered by the British Council. The project is about the community awareness and consultation program, aiming towards the development of a community policing strategy and tool kit that reflects local people’s views in the way they are policed. Feedback will be given as a result of the project. He said awareness raising, Consultation and feedback will involve ordinary citizens, media and main institutions relative to the policing process. The production of a community policing strategy and blueprint is based on International best practice and local consultation.

Training participants with trainers

The SRI implemented the training of facilitators in preparation for the full implementation on community policing awareness program to be conducted mostly in the Bangsamoro area and other conflict affected areas in Mindanao. The topics of the training is focused on the role of police in the Philippines, the role of community in policing and in general the concept of community policing that can be easily understood by the people.

Workshop on the moved

Community policing trainor, Pieter Conje, a retired African Police General, said that community policing is a method of policing based on the joint effort of the citizen and the police who work together towards alleviating neighborhood problems. Together they also attempt to satisfy the expressed need of citizens in order to enhance community resident’s quality of life. In this type of Policing, police officers and citizens work together to identify problems and resolve them. The police officer acts as the catalyst, moving the citizens towards solving their own problems and cooperating for common protection.

Back-to-back communication workshop

Conje said since community policing exists in many countries and in many different cultural settings, there are many definitions of what it is. He said there is danger of community policing becoming meaningless “buzzword.” Therefore, the emphasis here will be on principles and components of community policing, as well as case studies, to help with any confusion. Conje said community policing is a philosophy and an organizational strategy that promotes a new partnership between communities and their police. Both the police and community work together as partners to identify, prioritize and solve contemporary problems such as crime, drugs, fear of crime, social and physical disorder, and overall neighborhood decay, with the goal of improving the overall quality of life in the area.

Phillip Thomson discussed with participants

Participant's report, Tina Lomoljo (standing)

 Conje said community policing is NOT “soft” on crime. Actually, a police officer that is involved in a system of community policing makes more arrests, since the community makes more information available.  He said community policing allows for the police officer to deal with a wide range of community problems in addition to law enforcement, and not instead of law enforcement. Community policing is “smarter” policing, since the police officer realizes that arrests are merely one of the solutions to crime or disorder in the community. The community police officer concentrates also on the causes of crime and disorder, to find permanent solutions to the problems.

Standing, Trainer Phillip Thomson

During this day, a memorandum of agreement signing ceremony was conducted between the SRI and the British Council for the implementation of the Bangsamoro Community Policing Project, aims to help shape and develop a secure and stable post-conflict scenario in the Bangsamoro through the practice of community policing. Project Objectives is to establish awareness of community policing basic concepts and practices; consult concerned communities about its role in community policing; Build relationships and confidence with concerned communities through feedback lines; Capacitate and develop key individuals in the community as champions on the basic concepts and practices of community policing; and Strengthen community ownership through local follow-up dialogues in pilot communities with different stakeholders of community policing.

Kath Tolosa with partners

At right, Fr. Chito Suganob with Lanao Sur team

During the signing ceremony, the SRI was represented by Kathline Tolosa, SRI Convenor and for the British Council was represented by Nicholas Thomas, Country Director. Thomas said this project will define the role of UK in the peace process between the GPH-MILF. UK will continue to grow on community policing and develop the context and design to implement the project the way it gets results. The British Council approaches are work on justice and conflict resolution, working 25 years or so in Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East and other countries. The British Council works with SRI as partner on this project which has experienced on security in Mindanao.

Final posed of Trainees & trainers

Pieter Conje teaches ancient counting using stick

On the other hand, Tolosa look back from couple of years ago a focus group discussion in communities held for Conflict resolution in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao were conducted. She said "in Bantay Bayanihan we have perfect mechanism with different stakeholders come together with small pockets of hope available." She said what they are trying to do for the next round of months is to make the concept of community policing to be realized. In behalf of SRI,

Davao tourism @ organic food resto

Tolosa expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the British Council and the people of the United Kingdom for their commitment through the Golden Thread Programme as partner in the implementation of the Community Policing Project Partnership and in supporting the Bangsamoro community with compassion. She also extended her thanks and gratitude to Bantay Bayanihan partners because without them the project will not be made possible and the community policing project will journey with them together. Video file report & photos by Jun Enriquez.

MILF training facility found dismantle in Rogongon

MILF training facility found dismantle in Rogongon
Video File: Narration of Col. Gilbert Gapay, Brigade Commander
2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade
Ma. Cristina, Iligan City, 

Iligan City (April 18, 2015) – Joint Inspection and Validation Team (JIVT) was organized to conduct inspection and validation of the alleged 103^rd border command, a training facility of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), found in the remote area in Mt. Olamon, Sitio Limunsudan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City. The JIVT was composed of the government forces (Military), MILF, International Monitoring Team (IMT), Local Monitoring Team (LMT), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Media, Local government of Iligan City, Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local populace, mostly Lumad Higaonon. The said team was transported by 2 military choppers started from the camp of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City going to the 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility, will take 20-minute air travel.

Palm oil plantation in Rogongon

Virgin forest in Rogongon

Col. Gilbert Gapay, Brigade Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said that the MILF 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility was originally based in Butig, Lanao del Sur and transferred to Maguing, Lanao del Sur and expanded in Mt. Olamon, Limunsudan. Col. Gapay said that probably the term “border” was present in its name because the place was found in the disputed boundary of Iligan City, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Gapay said that they identified local MILF leaders responsible in operating the training facility started in January 3, 2015 and ended on January 17, 2015, or roughly 2 weeks training. There were at least 80 recruits undergone the training. Gapay said that the first training was conducted in May 2014, in a remote area of Limunsudan. During the time of the training the local populace mostly Lumad Higaonon were prevented to go in their farm nearby area in the said training facility.

Marker of 103rd BCT facility dismantled

Entrance of 103rd border command

During the inspection, the 103rd border command is situated in the eastern part of Limunsudan with an area to at least 3 hectares and surrounded with shanties made of bamboo, round timber and coconut leaves roof and there was a river at the sideline. There were confiscated wooden rifles and rattan rings and it was believed were used during the training. The 103^rd border command had a marker written of white stones, that read, “Welcome, 103^rd Border Command”. There were concrete posts measures .30 meters x .30 meters with at least 5 meters high, for at least 20 posts in 2 lines with 10 posts per line with an estimated width distance of 50 meters between lines. The local populace said that the concrete posts was constructed in 2008 in preparation for the establishment of a sawmill operation for wood processing but later on was abandoned for unknown reason.

Wooden rifles found at 103rd BCT facility

The JIVT first visited the 103^rd border command on March 29, 2015. Gapay said the report on the said MILF camp was presented by Lt. Col. Athon Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4^th Mechanized Battalion, during the Iligan City peace and order council meeting on March 10, 2015, presided by Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia. The local officials reacted on the said report with the presence of Vice Mayor Rudy Marzo and City Councilor Bong Abragan, Jr., chairman on peace and order committee. The site inspection and validation was triggered on the complaint of the local government of Iligan City, but the first complaint was transpired from the local populace mostly Lumad Higaonon community in the area.

Shanties dismantled

Gapay said prior to the second visit, the demolition was thoroughly discussed with the ceasefire mechanism, the Ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH) represented by the Military and MILF and it was agreed to demolish the 103^rd border command because it’s a violation of the peace agreement. The purpose of the second visit in Limunsudan on April 18, 2015 was the demolition of the 103^rd border command training facility. Gapay said that the 103^rd border command is not a camp but it’s only a training facility made of light materials while a camp is made of heavy and permanent materials. Gapay said that the MILF counterpart acknowledged the presence of 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility and their men in the area.

The Lumad Higaonon in Limunsudan still in fears because of the threat by the armed group allegedly blamed the Lumads of their complaint to the Military resulted to the dismantling of the 103^rd border command training facility. The Elders of Lumad Higaonon expressed concerns on their safety during the time of their marketing from Limunsudan going to Talakag, Bukidnon, will travel for 2 hours through “habalhabal” motorcycle. Talakag Bukidnon is the center of commerce for the Lumad Higaonon from Limunsudan. The Lumad Higaonon will sell their farm produce and at the same time they will buy goods for their consumption. The Lumad Elders said that what they feared most of the possible retaliation as a result of the dismantling of the training facility because they were the first to complaint about the presence of the MILF in Limunsudan but they are open for a peace dialogue. Gapay said that they will maintain the peace and order and security with the PNP and initiate a dialogue with the community to prevent untoward incidence of violence the area.

Choppers at 2nd Mech Bde land pad

Gapay said that Limunsudan is under the political boundary dispute between the 3 local government units of Iiligan City, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Limunsudan was claimed by the Lumad Higaonon as

part of their Ancestral Domain. They have an ongoing claim on Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). The Lumad Elders, the Datus, said that they prefer to be part of Iligan City. The Lumad Elders also complaining of the existence of the Palm oil plantation in Limunsudan owned by Abulkhair Alonto, one of the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Palm oil production is a livelihood program of the MNLF after signing the peace agreement in 1996. The plantation started its operation sometime in 1996 but had no formal talks with the Lumad Elders about the use of the land for Palm oil production, but they had nothing to do with it because there were presence of armed group during those times.

Spotted sawmill somewhere Bayug river

The Lumad Elders said that there must be a First Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) as part of the traditional laws of the Lumad, if non-Lumad will use their land within their Ancestral domain. They are calling for the government to intervene the said problem because there were already at least 10 people from Lumad Higaonon tribe killed because of the land dispute in the area.

Gapay said that the conflict in Limunsudan emanated from the boundary dispute. He said that they used the global positioning system (GPS) to trace boundaries and it was found out that Limunsudan is part of Iligan City, however this concern is already beyond their control. Gapay said that the area is potential for economic development. He said that the visit is very timely with the presence of City Councilor Bong Abragan, Jr., now Acting Vice Mayor of Iligan City. Abragan said that he will take the matter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur and subsequently elevate the issue to proper authorities.

Ground view of the 103rd BCT facility

Aireal view of the 103rd BCT facility

 Gapay accounted the presence of the former 103^rd border command training (BCT) facility were handled by the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). He said they identified some personalities such as Abdul Amoran, a member of the 103^rd based command. Another one is Daud Saripada, member of the Local Monitoring Team (LMT) in Lanao del Sur and also a certain Aragasi Mardan.He said there were six identified men acted as leaders in the recruitment in Limunsudan. Gapay said that the recruits were promised of P15,000.00 to P30,000.00 a month and 5 hectares of land which was not happened in reality. He said there was an element of deception during the recruitment.

Lake Lanao at the crater of Lanao Sur

Col. Gapay said, MILF CCCH-Ad hoc joint action group (AHJAG) member Amir Usman confirmed that the names of the leaders transpired in 103^rd border command are members of the MILF. Gapay said, If proven by the MILF that they are the people conducted the recruitment in Limunsudan and are legitimate members of MILF, they will be given sanctioned by the MILF for violating the ceasefire agreement. Limunsudan, Rogongon is contiguous area of Kapai and Tagoloan II of Lanao del Sur, under the provision on territory in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), will have the opportunity to petition 10 percent of the total voters and participate in a plebiscite on the Bangsamoro.

Chopper land at 103rd border command

 Col. Gapay said that they didn’t have any evidences that there was a tactical alliance between the MILF and New Peoples Army (NPA) in the area. He said the NPA is coming from Bukidnon and the MILF is coming from Lanao del Sur and possibly they have common area of operation in Limunsudan.

The former training facility was a very remote area. The Military didn’t found it during their operation. It was only identified through the local populace because they are very familiar in the place. Gapay said the former training facility was irritant to the peace process. He said in the ceasefire agreement, expansion of forces are not allowed during the period of the peace process. Gapay assured that it’s a remote possibility to have violence and conflict in the area because the ceasefire agreement still in place and the MILF is committed to respect the ceasefire mechanism.

At left, Col. Anthon Abrina

2nd-right, City Councilor Abragan

Gapay said MILF law enforcement is illegal and not included in the operating guidelines of the ceasefire agreement. Also included the participation of the MILF members in the “rido” cultural conflict is illegal because it’s a potential flash point of conflict against the government forces. Gapay said law enforcement is the responsibility of the PNP.

Gapay in a conclusion regarding the unconstitutionality of Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) are loopholes and weaknesses should be amended and revised to conform in the constitution which versions more meaningful, sound and just, inclusive and enduring peace. The BBL should be addressed peacefully by the lawmakers, Gapay ended. Video file report and photos by Jun Enriquez.