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.