Video File 8: Peace Rally in Munai (Molave Warrior Band)

Video File 6: Peace Rally in Munai (Lt. Col. Goyena)

Video File 5: Peace Rally in Munai (Musa Sanguila)

Video File 4: Peace rally in Munai (Pagayocan Sittienor)

Video File 3: Peace rally in Munai (Lt. Col. Doctolero)

Video File 2: Peace Rally in Munai, March 18, 2015 ( Maranao male artist)

Video File 1: Peace Rally in Munai, March 18, 2015 (Maranao female artist)

Munai, Lanao del Norte (March 18, 2015) - Munai is one of the places of the camp Bilal complex of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 102nd based command lead by "Kumander Bravo". It's a very remote area and will be traveled at least 2 hours going south from Iligan City. A peace rally was held spearheaded by the 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, headed by Lt. Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, Battalion commander, in cooperation with the local government of Munai headed by Mayor Maquiling, the PNP, CSOs, religious sector, Department of Education and the local populace. The peace rallyists including the school children pushing for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in congress. They want peace, no to war. Camp Bilal is the stronghold of the MILF in Lanao del Norte during the all-out-war in year 2000. As of the moment, the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and the Military agreed to respect the ceasefire mechanism as a gesture of upholding the peace process between the Government and the MILF.

Video File 2: Col Gapay attended Ilgan POC meeting

Iligan City (March 10, 2015) - Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade commander, 2nd Mechanized "Magbalantay" Brigade, Philippine Army, in his statement said that they are monitoring the economic center in their area of responsibility, including Iligan city,  to do away from harm from terrorism, the Abu Sayyaf group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Gapay urged the populace to be vigilant on any suspicious acts of any persons must report to the proper authorities, the police and military.

Lt. Col Anthon Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, based in Camp Pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City, made a report of the security situation in Iligan City. Abrina presented the armed groups present in Iligan City, the Communist party of the Philippines (CPP)- New peoples army (NPA) - National democratic front (NDF) in short CNN, is present in the boundary of Iligan-Bukidnon area. He said that CNN is planning to regain their lost ground not only in the mountains for their armed group but also in the urban areas where supports (financial and cadres) are coming from. Abrina also presented the sighting of 103 based command, Northwestern Mindanao Front (NWMF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with 50 fully armed men, sighted at Barangay Lantud, Talakag, Bukidnon, near the boundary of Limunsudan, Rogongon, Iligan City. Abrina also said that they have conducted "Bayanihan" activity in Sta. Felomina, and this is a continuing activity on with the communities within their area of responsibility (AOR) by conducting Medical mission, drug symposium for the youth, and other activities in partnership with the concerned barangays and the local government of Iligan city.

Abrina presented his concerns and recommendations to the POC to have an integrated communication system, establishment of joint AFP-PNP operation center, Integration of city/barangay communication network to the AFP-PNP operation center and establishment of communication backbone at provincial level, provisions of communication equipment to all detachments/ command posts (CPs) and Barangay network, Strengthening of collaboration between the AFP-PNP, LGUs, CSOs and other stakeholders.

In another report, PSSUPT Orlando A. Benas, City Director, Iligan City Police Office, presented about the criminality in Iligan City. He made mention about the operational accomplishments of the PNP for january versus February 2015. There are five classification of offenses, the campaign against illegal drug with 2 cases for january against 9 cases of February; anti-carnapping with case on january against none in February; campaign against loose firearms with 4 cases in January against 2 cases in February;  campaign against wanted person with 10 in Jabuary against 24 in February; cattle rustling have 1 case in January against none in February. During the interview, Benas said that his police ranks have different emotional feelings and beliefs on the Mamasapano incident. he said some police personnel under his command especially those trained in the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) cut their hair into skinned head, others will offer prayers of sympathy. Benas said that they did not shown any violent reaction regarding the issue and issued statements against their high ranking officials. He cited a historical background about the First Lieutenant Vicente Alagar, now named camp Algar before his name, said that an ambush happened in 1933 that killed Alagar by the moro bandits in Jolo. From that time until 2015, the incident happened again. He said the Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) must be given a chance and become a law hoping that peace must prevail in Mindanao.

at the end of the POC meeting, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between the AFP and PNP on the revitalization of the joint peace and order security coordinating center in Iligan city. This will define the roles and responsibilities of the two government agencies when it comes to peace and order and security matters in Iligan City for proper coordination and avoid the repetition of the Mamasapano controversy coordination issue between the AFP and PNP.

Video File 1:Mayor Regencia convene Iligan POC meeting

Iligan City (March 10, 2015) - Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia convened the Iligan City Peace and Order Council this day, attended by the Barangay Chairmen, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Military from the 2nd Mechanized "Magbalantay" Brigade and 4th Mechanized IB, headed by Col. Gilbert Gapay and Lt. Col. Anthon Abrina, respectively. Also in attendance was PSSUPT Benas, Iligan City Police Director, DILG Provincial Director Rana,  Iligan City Vice Mayor Rudy Marzo and Iligan City Councilor Abragan, chairman, committee on peace and order. Prosecutors and Judges also attended the meeting. Mayor Regencia pushed for the approval of the Intelligence Fund (IF) amounting to 9 Million pesos and confidential fund of 9 Million pesos for the year 2015. A total of 18 Million pesos fund to be taken from the 30 percent peace and order budget, to address criminalities and security threats in Iligan City. The POC resolution is subject for adoption by the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Iligan City with corresponding peace and order plan of the city's chief executive and chairman of the peace and order council.

At left, PSSUPT Orlando Benas

In his report, PSSUPT Orlando A. Benas, City Director, Iligan City Police Office, presented about the criminality in Iligan City. He made mention about the operational accomplishments of the PNP for january versus February 2015. There are five classification of offenses, the campaign against illegal drug with 2 cases for january against 9 cases of February; anti-carnapping with case on january against none in February; campaign against loose firearms with 4 cases in January against 2 cases in February;  campaign against wanted person with 10 in Jabuary against 24 in February; cattle rustling have 1 case in January against none in February. During the interview, Benas said that his police ranks have different emotional feelings and beliefs on the Mamasapano incident. he said some police personnel under his command especially those trained in the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) cut their hair into skinned head, others will offer prayers of sympathy. Benas said that they did not shown any violent reaction regarding the issue and issued statements against their high ranking officials. He cited a historical background about the First Lieutenant Vicente Alagar, now named camp Algar before his name, said that an ambush happened in 1933 that killed Alagar by the moro bandits in Jolo. From that time until 2015, the incident happened again. He said the Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) must be given a chance and become a law hoping that peace must prevail in Mindanao.

At left, Lt. Col. Anthon Abrina

Participants wandering the pp presentation

In another report, Lt. Col Anthon Abrina, Battalion Commander, 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, based in Camp Pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City, made a report of the security situation in Iligan City. Abrina presented the armed groups present in Iligan City, the Communist party of the Philippines (CPP)- New peoples army (NPA) - National democratic front (NDF) in short CNN, is present in the boundary of Iligan-Bukidnon area. He said that CNN is planning to regain their lost ground not only in the mountains for their armed group but also in the urban areas where supports (financial and cadres) are coming from. Abrina also presented the sighting of 103 based command, Northwestern Mindanao Front (NWMF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with 50 fully armed men, sighted at Barangay Lantud, Talakag, Bukidnon, near the boundary of Limunsudan, Rogongon, Iligan City. Abrina also said that they have conducted "Bayanihan" activity in Sta. Felomina, and this is a continuing activity on with the communities within their area of responsibility (AOR) by conducting Medical mission, drug symposium for the youth, and other activities in partnership with the concerned barangays and the local government of Iligan city.

Abrina presented his concerns and recommendations to the POC to have an integrated communication system, establishment of joint AFP-PNP operation center, Integration of city/barangay communication network to the AFP-PNP operation center and establishment of communication backbone at provincial level, provisions of communication equipment to all detachments/ command posts (CPs) and Barangay network, Strengthening of collaboration between the AFP-PNP, LGUs, CSOs and other stakeholders.

Iligan City Vice Mayor Rudy Marzo made an inquiry together with City councilor Abragan, if the military can disband the presence of armed groups in Limunsudan, Rogongon this city and it is really a threat to Iligan City. Lt. Col. Abrina said that they will make a letter to the ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH) to abandon the said area bacause Limunsudan-Bukidnon is not recognized as one of the MILF controlled areas and it is a violation of the GPH-MILF peace agreement.

Second from right, Col. Gilbert I. Gapay

Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade commander, 2nd Mechanized "Magbalantay" Brigade, Philippine Army, in his statement said that they are monitoring the economic center in their area of responsibility, including Iligan city,  to do away from harm from terrorism such as the Abu Sayyaf group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Gapay urged the populace to be vigilant on any suspicious acts of any persons must be reported to the proper authorities, the police and military.

The POC meeting was ended by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the AFP and PNP on the revitalization of the joint peace and order security coordinating center in Iligan city. This will define the roles and responsibilities of the two government agencies when it comes to peace and order and security matters in Iligan City for proper coordination and avoid the repetition of the Mamasapano controversy coordination issue between the AFP and PNP.

Video File 2: Lanao hold peace and security conference - Col. Gapay

Tubod, Lanao del Norte (March 9, 2015) - Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade Commander, 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade Philippine Army,  delivered a security message before the member of the press held at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) Hotel.

Video File 1: Gov. Dimaporo hold peace and security conference

Tubod, lanao del Norte (March 9, 2015) - Gov. Khalid Dimaporo Q. Dimaporo delivered security message during a press briefing for peace and security here together with the Military, PNP and Local monitoring team (LMT) of the Ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH), mentioning about security situation and government forces present in the province of Lanao del Norte, He said that he don't want to antagonize the situation against MILF due to the delayed passage of the Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) in congress. He is not certain what will happen of the BBL in congress. He mentioned about the development projects in the province especially on the construction of the coal fired power plant and possibly the hydro-electric power plant, and the Panguil bay bridge. He said that it is against the interest of the people in Lanao del Norte if chaos and turmoil by another MILF attack will happen. He is committed for pro peace and he do not want war, acknowledging the hard work of the Military headed by Col. Gilbert Gapay, Brigade Commander, 2nd Mechanized Brigade Phil Army and PSSUPT Madid Paitao, Provincial Director, PNP, Lanao del Norte. He said during the peace and order council in the province, the province is in better position than the 2008 Memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) controversy. He recalled that Iligan City had a hard stand against MOA-AD and had only one battalion to secure the whole province with the forces with Iligan City which supposedly was not the case. He believed that the province is more secure at this time with close coordination among the AFP and PNP. Dimaporo asked the media to help disseminate correct information to counter disinformation circulated through text messages. He added that thepeace and order situation in the province of Lanao del Norte is generally peaceful.

Video File 1: Iligan City celebrates International Women's Day celebration 2015

Iligan City (March 8, 2015) - In the observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD) was a result of the organizing activities of women in the early 20^th century. Between 1090 and 1911, working women in United States participated in organizing strike activities of the National Women’s Trade Union League and other concerned groups. They were responding to the low wages, lack of protective legislation and the poor working conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.

The demonstrations were an offshoot of the tragic March 25 triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, which took the lives of more than 140 working girls, mostly Italian and jewish immigrants. Subsequently, the inhumane working conditions and unfair labor practices leading up to the disaster were invoked during observances of IWD.

Ms. Nitz Sescon

In Europe, Clara Zetkin and the Socialist Women’s International demanded that March 8^th be the International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated each year to recognize working women around the world. The celebration of IWD has since stimulated major historical events. For instance, IWD was the inspiration for the general strike which the Russian revolution in St. Petersburg in 1917 when 10,000 women textile workers demonstrated. It is due to such history of women organizing around the world that IWD was officially recognized by the United nations to celebrate women’s contributions to all societies.

Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and march 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; Proclamation NO. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring march 8 of every year as the national Women’s Day.


The theme for celebration’s International theme is “Make it Happen”, while the National theme is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!” One Billion Rising Dances are “Break the Chain” and “Isang Bilyong Babae ang Babangon”

Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia

Thousands of women participated in Iligan City activities started with a Fun Walk at 5:30 A.M. , assembled at the Iligan City National High School grounds and ended at the city public plaza with a short program. Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia was the guest speaker during the celebration. There were 11 barangay chairmen present during the event including city councilor Michelle Sweet. Regencia said that the women should deserve protection in his administration from domestic violence.

Ms. Nitz Sescon, coordinator of the Mindanao Commission on Women and the Officer-in-charge of the Women Affairs office of the Iligan City government, emphasized the national theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!”, she recanted the saying, “in every success and failure of a man there a woman behind”, is not true and unacceptable. She said every individual has failures and success in life. She said in making decisions women should be part of it, especially in governance from the local to national leaderships women should be inclusive..

At Left, Jane Bernardo, Partido Manggagawa

Sescon also stressed the International theme, “Make it Happen”. She said, “There should be changed to happen and start within ourselves." She said women seek equality among the men, equal opportunities and equal status including justice for those victims from abuse. Sescon said that the reproductive rights should be protected that a woman will carry pregnancy not against her will. She said women should also have the opportunity to lead. There must be mutual respect, no discrimination and social exclusion because women is part and represents half of the society. Sescon also emphasized the peace for Mindanao and the women shouted “Kalinaw sa Mindanao!”

Video File 2: Iligan City celebrates International Women's Day Celebration

Iligan City (March 8, 2015) - Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia celebrates the International Women's day celebration this day, with the women sector as the guest speaker during the event. Regencia emphasized the protection for the women. Regencia committed that women should deserve protection in his administration.

Rido Settlement of the Tawantawan brothers of Salvador

Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (March 7, 2015) - Tawantawan clan is a prominent family in Salvador, Lanao del Norte. However, they did not spare their family in cultural conflict called "rido" or family feud, between the two brothers, Johny Tawantawan and Said Tawantawan. The former is the elder one and a Sultan of Salvador. Johny said he became a Mayor of Salvador for 20 years. according to the relatives the root cause of the "rido" was politics. Brigadier General Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr., 1st Division Commander, Philippine Army, based in Pulacan, mediated the "rido" settlement held in 1st Division camp here in Pulacan...

Accordingly, the mediation lasted for more than a year to settle their differences and held series of negotiations to both parties. Salvador, Lanao del Norte is the place of the Tawantawan family. Their father was also the former Town Mayor for decades. The wife of Johny was also became a Mayor of the Twon. The current Mayor now is the son of Johny Tawantawan, his name is Hasanor Tawantawan. The Salvador town is the place where the 41st Infantry Battalion Philippine Army have their camp, headed by Col. Virgilio Noora, under the command of 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade Philippine Army, headed by Col. Gilbert I. Gapay. The Tawantawan brothers held series of dialogues and negotiations conducted by the Military officials, and the time came that both of them agreed to settle their differences and signed a peace agreement with their divided relatives that supported on both sides. Hugs and kisses of the families on both sides also settled their differences. Tears of joy flooded on both men and women relatives with their elders.

During their arrival in the morning in the camp, the group of Sultan Johny Tawantawan arrived first and followed by the group of Said Tawantawan. But after the settlement was finished all of them go home together happily. Both brothers Johny and Said expreseed their thanks and gratitude to the Bgen. Barrientos, Col. Gapay amd Col. Noora for the untiring efforts of initiating in resolving the problem of their families and both Johny and Said committed to keep their agreement faithfully.

Video File: 4th Mech "Kalasag" extend basic social services in Iligan City

Iligan City, March 1, 2015  - Hundreds of people availed the services of the medical mission conducted at the barangay gymnasium of Sta. Felomina, this city, spearheaded by the 4^th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion, based in Camp Pintoy, Suarez, Iligan City. Lt. Col. Anthon G. Abrina, Battalion Commander, said that this is the first time since his new assignment in 4^th Mechanized battalion to launch a medical mission in his area of responsibility, particular in Iligan City. He said that they extend services to the people by way of dental services, medical check-up for women and children, Tuli (circumcision), Blood typing and sugar testing, hair cut, including legal services. He extend his thanks to the Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC), Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET), Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines, Barangay Council of Sta. Felomina, Iligan City government, Iligan may Pag-asa ka Movement and IMCC Kapagintaw Band. Dr. Buns Lim was the only doctor served during the event. On future activities, Lt. Col. Abrina said that they will launch an information drive about the improvised explosive device (IED), anti-drug orientation for the youth as the most requested activity by the parents. He said another medical mission will be launched in the future in cooperation with the local government of Iligan City. He said soldiers are not only to go for war against the enemy of the state but also provide basic social services for the people especially for the poor. The 4th Mechanized Infantry "Kalasag" Battalion is under the command of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade Philippine Army, headed by Col. Gilbert I. Gapay.

VIDEO FILE 4 "A GATHERING FOR PEACE", AN ALL-OUT-PEACE RALLY IN KOLAMBUGAN

Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, February 25, 2015 - She is Najira Mutia, a High School student in a public High School in Kolambugan, delivered her testimony during the the Gathering for peace in Kolambugan. An ALL-OUT-PEACE RALLY participated by thousands of people coming from the different places in the province of Lanao del Norte. She narrated her experienced from war in the previous years. She was asking the people to unite to work on ALL-OUT-PEACE and fight against war. The rallyists asked congress the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for the just and lasting peace in Mindanao.