By The Magbalantay Information Bureau Iligan City - This year’s month of August is the observance of the 67thInternational Humanitarian Law (IHL). The 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade commemorated the IHL month pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 134 of July 31, 1999. On the first week of August, the Magbalantay Brigade started the celebration by posting tarpaulin in front of the brigade main entrance bringing the theme is “IHL: Mga Aral ng Nakaraan, Hamon sa Kasalukuyan,” it means learning from the past, a challenge nowadays. Army CAPTAIN EDDIE M ALCIMA JR (CAV) PA, the Civil Military (CMO) of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, said a Flag raising ceremony was conducted on August 08, at 07:30 A.M., for purposes of commemorating the IHL. It highlighted the Oath-taking by all personnel of the “AFP soldier’s pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support to IHL” led by COL EZRA JAMES P ENRIQUEZ CAV (GSC) PA, the Human Rights Officer of the Brigade unit. In their pledge, the soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines solemnly swore to commit, reaffirm, and strictly adhere to abide by the provisions of the IHL in the discharge of their duties and functions. Grant preferential treatment, respect, and protect the vulnerable sectors, namely the women, children, and aged, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities at all times. To distinguish at all times under all circumstances between the combatants and military objective on the one hand, and civilian object on the other, and only to target legitimate military objectives and combatants, and apply only the amount and kind of force necessary to defeat the enemy. Treat the civilians and non-combatants humanely at all times, including the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked and treat all protected persons with the same consideration by parties to the conflict without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or political opinion. The AFP soldiers will stand up on their pledge as their committed responsibilities to fellow individuals, and role as protector of the Filipino people and the state. COL WILLIAM A ALUNDAY CAV (GSC) PA, the Commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in his message emphasized to all the personnel to strictly internalize and follow their pledge especially during and in times of conflict to avoid violations of the IHL. Captain Alcima said an IHL orientation was conducted on August 11 participated by the military personnel with the members of the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) as the lecturers based in Cotabato City, in the persons of Mr. Jacques Gay-Crosier, Mr. Manuel James Laygo, and Mr. Abdul Gafar Marohom. The participants were coming from personnel of “Magbalnatay” Brigade and the personnel of 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Captain Alcima added that the activity was so fruitful and the personnel participated in the orientation had fully understood and learned functions of the ICRC, Red Cross, and the International Federation of the Red Cross. The limitations of soldiers in times of conflict with the basic principles of IHL were thoroughly discussed are all applicable especially during combat operations.
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By the 15th IB information Bureau Salvador, Lanao del Norte - It’s a continuing program of the 15th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army by touching the hearts of the people in the community especially the youth by participating the Regional Youth Leadership Summit (RYLS) with six youth participants came from the municipalities of Nunungan, Magsaysay, Sapad, and Tubod Lanao del Norte, with the theme “Shaping the Youth as Agent in Achieving Peace and Progress”. The venue of the summit was conducted at Provincial Government Center, Dao, Pagadian City on 29-31 July 2016. The Lanao del Norte participants were assisted by 1LT ARNEL P LOZADA (INF) PA, CMO Officer and Cpl Joyriel L Allaga (Inf) PA, Civil Affairs NCO of 15IB, 3ID, PA This activity was facilitated by the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army in collaboration with the National Youth Congress (NYC) Region IX and participated by 56 youth participants coming from Region 9, 10 and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); with the presence of ten facilitators from the Army and six civilian facilitators. This activity aims to shape the character of the youth to be an agent of peace and development in their community; enhance and enrich the leadership skills of the youth, and equip them with appropriate knowledge to boost their confidence increase self-esteem, self-confidence and self-belief by engaging interactive activities and participation among the participants; and to promote constructive and positive relationships among the participants regardless of diversity in religion, creed and culture. The 15th Infantry Battalion is engaging the youth in its area of operation through the youth development and empowerment as an investment for a dynamic, well-motivated and responsible future citizen that advocates peace and harmony among each other. In Another development, “OPLAN TOKHANG” program of the PNP supported by the 15th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army aims to encourage the drug pushers and users to voluntarily surrender themselves and to stop engaging in using and selling of any forms of illegal drugs and were attended by more or less 80 local populace came from Barangay’s Mindalanao, Pawak and Kalimudan all of Salvador, LDN held last August 2, 2016 through a Information drive (pulong-pulong) at Barangay Mindalanao, Salvador, Lanao del Norte. This activity formally started thru opening prayer by Ustads Saiba Alando followed with the welcome remarks by Barangay Chairman Samsudin Said of Mindalanao, Salvador, LDN; messages of PO2 Jacob T Jevarie, PNP, Salvador MPS discussed the significance of OPLAN TOKHANG and RA 9262 VAWC; message of support from Barangay Chairman Dimadid Ampaso of Barangay Pawak, Salvador, LDN; Ustadz Sihab Tomaranga; Ustadz Cosain; 1LT LOZADA; and closing remarks by Barangay Kagawad Usman Aladan. 1LT ARNEL P LOZADA (INF) PA, CMO Officer of 15IB, 3ID, PA gave his impression regarding the role of the AFP in the pursuit of peace security towards progress and development as part Internal Peace and Security Plan IPSP “Bayanihan and AFP support to anti-illegal drug campaign. The 15th Infantry Battalion intensified the collaboration and rapport with the PNP counterpart; Barangay and Local Government Unit (BLGU) and religious sector in winning the community support through information outreach program. Photo by Cpl Allaga
By Jun Enriquez
BGen. Harold N. Cabreros, AFP, 3rd ID Commander, delivered a message during the 15th IB Change of Command ceremony
Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (May 20, 2016) – It was one year, ten months and 8 days, sometime in August 2014. Lt. Col. Leomar Jose M. Doctolero INF (GSC) PA, in his message said, he stood in the same ground in Bagumbayan to say his first hello as Commander of the 15th Infantry “Warrior” Battalion Philippine Army, but during this day he will bid goodbye. He extended thanks to all those who contributed their success. He extended thanks to his former Division Commanders of the 3rd Infantry Division, Major General Aurelio B. Baladad and Major General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero. During the ceremony he submitted his accomplishment report to BGen Harold N. Cabreros, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and the presiding officer of the ceremony. He also acknowledged former immediate past and present Brigade Commanders Col. Gilbert Gapay and Col. William Alunday, for the utmost trust and confidence extended to him during his tour of duty.
Doctolero said the Province of Lanao del Norte is the greatest gift of all for the trust and cooperation extended by its people to secure the peace. He mentioned the “Gawad Kalinga”, a private and religious organization was the main partner in all their “Kalinga sa Bayan” activities with other stakeholders. Kalinga sa Bayan is a peacebuilding activity for the children and the youth. He also extended his gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as their counterpart in peace and security, including the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for their support and cooperation in peace and development.
Doctolero extended his heartfelt thanks to all the Officers men and women in the 15th IB in supporting and standing by him especially in the difficult times. He said “We were able to be in the Army closer to the people and we have done our part more importantly of winning the peace”. He said the recently held elections was managed to enjoy the first ever peaceful elections conducted in many years.
Doctolero said “ours is success measured not by the numbers of encounters over the numbers of enemies killed nor by firearms recovered, but it is measured by a meaningful success of how much we touch the lives of the people and contributed to their well-being by looking the performance in the past years. It’s time to recognize not only the achievements but also our mistakes and apologized shortcomings as Battalion commander. He said sorry to those ranks discharged, demoted, reprimanded and relieved. He said their responsibility is an enormous one in the protection and service to the Filipino people. Doctolero said the 15th IB in Lanao del Norte ay “hindi pwde ang pewde na”.
Doctolero extended the best of luck to his successor Lt. Col. Audie Mongao INF (GSC) PA, his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1988 under the Gulf Company, the best company in their class.
Incoming Commander of 15th IB, Lt. Col. Audie A. Mongao INF (GSC) PA, extended his thanks to the presiding officer, BGen Harold N. Cabreros AFP, Commander , 3ID PA. He extend his appreciation to the leadership of Lt. Col. Doctolero for the good stewardship of the 15th IB. Mongao said that 15th IB is memorable to him because in mid 1980s it was the armed unit in Iloilo province of UP cadet officers ROTC training. The same unit replaced the 10th IB in Poona Piagapo and he served as battalion Ex – O in 2009 under the former commander Col. Jambala. Lt. Col. Mongao assured the men and women in 15th IB that he will continue the projects and activities started by predecessor with able competence, honesty and integrity. The Province of Lanao del Norte as the main beneficiary on peace and security is also assured. Mongao assured that 15th IB will continue its support to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
In his message, Brigadier General (BGen) Harold N. Cabreros, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) congratulated the two commanders, Lt. Col. Doctolero and Lt. Col Mongao for leading the 15thIB. Cabreros said every change of command is a milestone for the Philippine Army and its commanders involved. It signifies an end as well as the beginning and highlights Army’s undying service as an institution to serve and defend. He said “today’s change of command accelerate our trust towards the fulfillment of the Armys reform initiative”. He said that this demonstrate the Army’s dynamism and also rationalizes the job placement of the military officers. In this endeavor will take one step further towards becoming a genuinely professional army.
Cabreros said that the "outgoing commander is known to be a competent leader of 15th IB based on the gains of success, was a clear manifestation of his commitment to our Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, in pursuing the battalion in peace and security operations and programs in this region". Cabreros said the battalion gained the support from the Local Government Units (LGU) through the local chief executives and other government and non-government offices and organizations and the entire civil society. He hopes Lt. Col. Doctolero to carry on the same dedication, commitment and enthusiasm as he handle higher and sensitive position
BGen Cabreros congratulated Lt. Col. Mongao to have the 15th IB with enormous task and responsibility at hand and take the lead in winning the peace in the region based on the campaign plan. BGen Cabreros said “Audie the challenge is now on your shoulder and focus the demand with full commitment in the implementation of our campaign plan in collaboration of stakeholders complementary to the IPSP Bayanihan.” He further said “let the meaningful change, peace and security will help benefit the 15th IB organization, LGU and local communities, and Continue performing your duties with utmost dedication and par excellence.” BGen Cabreros urged the members of the 15th IB to give support and cooperation to Lt. Col. Mongao in fulfilling IPSP bayanihan and Army transformation roadmap (ATR) imperatives. Cabreros gave guidance in winning the peace and attaining sustainable development in their Area of responsibility (AOR) by sharing the idea of David Osborne about culture strategies which are effective tools in development and management with three approaches, these are the Changing habits, Touching hearts and Winning minds which better aligned in IPSP Bayanihan ATR imperatives. By changing habits is to correct the mistakes in the past. Touching hearts is to show sincerity in attaining peace and development. Winning minds is to help our people to realize the wrong premise indoctrinated by the enemy of the state.
As a policy BGen Cabreros reiterated the word Obedience to abide. There are six factors of obedience to instill in the minds of the soldiers to obey. First, as soldiers must have sworn to serve our country and love of our people; second, obey the laws of the land, the constitution, rules and regulations and ordinances; third, obey the Laws of nature, respect the God-given blessings, the nature; Fourth, obey our own rules and regulations; Fifth, we have to obey our obligations and commitment to our family. He said we always obey the laws but forget to obey the commitment to our families; Sixth, we have to obey the Words of our Almighty. Soldiers should learn to obey. The change of command ceremony is just part of the system in the military. BGen Cabreros presided the 15th IB change of command ceremony because 15th IB is under the 3rd ID based in Amindan, Capiz covers Bohol, Cebu and Panay Island, as their area of responsibility. However, the 15th IB was only augmented or borrowed by the 1st Infantry Division based in Pulakan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, to be assigned in Mindanao. the Change of command ceremony was attended by the LGU officials, Civil Society Leaders, Military and Police officers, business and religious sectors.
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AuthorA news blog started by CSO-FP Managing Director, Mr. Jun Enriquez to keep the people of Lanao, Mindanao and the Philippines updated on current local issues especially the peace and order situation in conflict affected areas. Archives
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