Loose Firearms Surrender in Lanao Norte

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PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov. 28, 2019) – A total of 20 loose firearms were turned over by the locals of Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte to the 5th Mechanized Battalion in the Municipal hall 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

“The concerted effort and intensified collaboration among our troops, PNP, local communities, local chief executives and other stakeholders resulted into this momentous activity”, said Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, 55th Mech Battalion Commander.

The turned-over loose firearms were consist of one FAL Caliber 7.62, one M14, three M16A1, one M635 with grenade launcher, four carbine rifles; and ten handguns.

Mayor Haron Omar Sr. who facilitated the turn-over of the loose firearms thanked the Army for their effort in sustaining peace and development in the municipality.

He also assured the continuous collaboration and support of the local government to the 5th Mech Battalion.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte said that “This is part of our campaign against proliferation of loose firearms so that our people would feel more secured and safe in their daily activities.”

Palafox also urged the locals to cooperate and report to proper authorities for the proliferation of firearms in their communities.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) acting commander, lauded the troops, the local government unit and stakeholders of Magsaysay.

“I urge everyone to continue our efforts in pursuing lasting peace not just for Mindanao but for the whole country. Let us conquer the challenges ahead of us and step up the momentum in sustaining our gains for our common aspiration”, said Gaerlan.

Gaerlan also asked for the trust and support of the constituents, local government units and stakeholders to the Armed Forces of the Philippines who continuously strive to attain just and lasting peace in the country. (By JONG CADION with DPAO Press release and photos)

RTF – ELCAC IX Launches the ZAPD Convergence Program

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LAPUYAN, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov. 27, 2019) – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for Region IX (ZAMPEN Region) launched its flagship program dubbed ZAMPEN (Zamboanga Peninsula) Area for Peace and Development or ZAPD in Brgy San Jose, Lapuyan last Tuesday, November 26, 2019.

ZAPD aims to synergize the efforts of all government agencies in the region and other partner NGOs for the clearing of CPP-NPA influenced areas and making cleared communities resilient from the resurgence of CPP-NPA influence.

In compliance to the EO 70, which is better known as the Whole Of Nation approach to end local communist insurgency, the concept of ZAPD is to bring development and security to vulnerable communities so that social issues which are encouraging our citizens to support and join the local insurgency will be addressed for good.

The activity was graced by USec Rene Glenn Paje, Undersecretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, DSWD as guest of honor.

USec Paje was accompanied by Gov Victor J Yu of Zamboanga del Sur who is also very actively implementing his province’s version of the TF-ELCAC.

Lapuyan Mayor Joel Sulong, as host of the area, was also present to receive the guests and participants of the event, and to express his unconditional support to the program.

Also in attendance were Colonel Leonel Nicolas, the commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Marlowe Patria, commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry Battallion, heads and representatives of regional offices.

After his message Governor Yu rang the traditional gong three times to symbolize the start of the ZAPD program, after which the RTF-ELCAC IX logo, which was mainly designed by the 1st Infantry Division, was officially unveiled by the distinguishes guests.

The program ended with signing of pledge of commitment to the program by the guests, IP leaders, and the locals.

During his speech Hon. Victor Yu, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, assured the locals of Lapuyan that his administration is seriously implementing programs to bring about progress in conflict affected communities which includes Lapuyan. He also vowed to pave the road in the area to give the people of San Jose and its adjacent barangays better opportunities to prosper.

“I am happy to announce that with the RTF-ELCAC IX, more NPAs surrendered to our government forces. We also urged the local officials and leaders to discourage the constituents in supporting or joining the NPAs”, Yu said.

Meanwhile, Usec. Rene Glen Paje of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who represented Sec. Rolando Bautista, during his speech said that, “The Task Force will deliver the basic services and encourage good governance. This will also answer the problem of peace and security in our communities”.

“I enjoin everyone to support the Regional Task Force ELCAC, the local government agencies and units in order to attain a just and lasting peace and sustainable development for our communities and for our future generations”, Paje added.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) Acting commander, lauded the Local government units, government agencies, 53rd Infantry Battalion and 102nd Infantry Brigade for the momentous activity.

General Gaerlan quoted that “Inter-agency convergence will bring inclusive and sustainable development in the conflict affected communities in our area of operations. Convergence will speed up our clearing of the conflict affected areas and its development. We also encourage the NPAs to surrender and lay down their firearms and benefit from the programs of the RTF – ELCAC IX for the benefit of their families and their communities”.

In conjunction with the launching ceremony was an RTF-ELCAC IX Serbisyo Caravan which catered to more than 1000 locals who availed of the services which the various government agencies delivered to the area. The 1st Infantry Division also actively participated in the activity thru the 53rd IB and the 1CMOBn whose responsible for the facilitation of medical assistance and distribution of 300 pairs of slippers during the event.

After the launching ceremony, the RTF-ELCAC IX secretariat, together with Governor Yu proceeded to the ground-breaking ceremony of the Zamboanga del Sur half-way house for former rebels which was facilitated by the 53rd IB in Poblacion, Guipos. Former rebels who are currently beneficiaries of the government’s Rebel Reintegration Program were also presented during the event. (By JONG CADION with DPAO Press release and photos)

WestMinCom chief graces arrival ceremony for PS-39

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 5, 2019-mpf News) - WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana joined the officers, men, and women of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in welcoming the newly acquired Philippine Navy ship in its visit in Zamboanga City, WesMinCom Official disclosed.

        WesMinCom spokesperson MAJ. Arvin G. Encinas said that the arrival ceremony was held at the Zamboanga City Pier at 9am Monday

BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) is an 88.3 meters long ship with a beam of 10 meters and draft of 2.9 meters that can accommodate 118 personnel and can sustain operational presence for 20 days, Encinas added.

“My warm and heartfelt welcome to the men and women of this ship headed by its Commanding Officer, Capt. Marco Buena to the Asia’s Latin City and the Sardines Capital of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana during his remarks.

The acquisition of BRP Conrado Yap stemmed from the generosity of the South Korea government propelled by the strong relationship of the Philippine Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy that goes beyond friendship through the years.

The ship was named after a gallant Filipino military leader, Conrado Yap, who served in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea. He was a captain of the Philippine Army who was considered as the most decorated Filipino Soldier during the Korean War.

“This ship is the 1st modern corvette and the most heavily-armed unit and the “most powerful ship” of the Philippine Navy to date because of its sonars and torpedo launchers capable of anti-submarine warfare,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Also present during the activity were Zamboanga City 2nd District Councilor John Dalipe and other invited guests.

“The capability upgrade program of the AFP is relentlessly pursued to modernize all its branches so that it could effectively secure the Philippine territory and uphold the integrity of our archipelagic nation.

“Moreover, we are certain that with everyone’s high sense of patriotism coupled with our firm commitment in promoting a culture of peace, we as a sovereign nation shall continue to grow in steady and sustainable manner,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana concluded. (By JONG CADION with WesMinCom PIO photos and press release)