Saulog rules Lanao del norte motocross

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Taking advantage of an unexpected accident of series leader Glenn Aguilar, Jovy Saulog rode his bike to victory in a neck-to-neck race against local rider Quimboy Pineda of Team Lanao del Norte and star rider Donark Yuson.

The final race in the open professional category drew loud cheers from the crowd as they egg on their local rider but in the end Saulog’s experience proved too much for the crowd favorite.

“This is a bitter sweet victory for me. I’m thrilled to finally get a win because it’s been years now since I last got one. But I’m also sad on what happened to Glenn (Aguilar) in his last race”, said the Open Professional Category champion.

However, with Aguilar out of the race, Donark Yuson team captain of Therasil KTM Access Plus, was able to muster enough points to grab the lead in the over-all series point tally and be proclaimed as Rider of Year in the Pro Open Category.

“I am very happy with the outcome of the motocross championships. This is an unprecedented turn-out of top riders in a national competition”, said Governor Khalid Dimaporo.

The record-breaking turn-out of professional riders in the 2009 Gov. Khalid Dimaporo National Motocross Championships established Lanao del Norte as the top motocross racing venue in the country and solidify its title as the Motocross Capital of the Philippines.

“Come next year, we hope to hold at least one asian motocross championships here and expose our local riders to international-level competition”, Dimaporo said.

Other series winners are: Car Michael Santos (50cc category), Mclean Aguilar (65cc category), Jacob Orbe (85cc category), Hermes Bantoc (Executive category), Dexter Bacabac (Veterans category), Joey Barba (Underbone Open category), Butch Flores (Underbone Local category), Ryan Magalona (Local Enduro category), Ryan Magalona (Open Enduro category), Joey Barba (Beginner Production category), Dexter Bacabac (Novice Open Production category), Noynoy Abraham (Intermediate category), Donark Yuson (Pro 125 category). VNL/PIO-LDN

PPOC reports significant improvement on peace situation

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte-In the recently concluded Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting called to order by PPOC Chairman Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo on November 18 at the Macapagal Training Center, this town, the council reported that the peace and order situation in the province significantly improved “as a result of inter-agency collaboration” among and between the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, other national and local agencies, Non-Government Organizations and all other stakeholders herein.

“The peace and order condition in the AOR is relatively stable during the period under review and while the hazards posed by the presence of threat groups as well as criminals and other lawless elements still exist, the situation has remained normal and the atmosphere of tranquility prevails in the province,” PNP Provincial Director P/SSupt Minoy R. Darimbang reported.

In a report by Captain J-jay Javines, the Philippine Army assigned herein which is the 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, headed by Col Benito Antonio T de Leon, through their participation and conduct of humanitarian and poverty reduction activities, securing and facilitating socio-economic development and rural infrastructure and promoting the culture of peace and harmony, good environmental management, support good governance and strengthening security and crime prevention, it resulted to reduced lawless elements’ strength; defection of MILF members; zero Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); hasten psychological and emotional recovery of people; continuation of development projects; improvement of general peace and order situation; swelling support from LGEs; heightened “stakeholders” attention to peace efforts.

In the same forum, Governor Dimaporo posed a question to all municipal mayors present thereat whether or not their communities support the presence of the Philippine Army of which unanimously favored by the LGUs while they strongly oppose to whatever lawless elements in their areas much more the presence of members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

With this result, the young Governor declared to the august body that he will lobby to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) for the province of Lanao del Norte to be 100% free from MILF rebels and strongly supports Suspension of Military Offensives (SOMO) sanctioned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and support as well the efforts of reviving peace negotiations to attain a lasting peace not just in herein province but for Mindanao as a whole.

In addition, Mayor Abdulmalik Manamparan of Nunungan town, who is also the President of the Provincial Mayors’ League moved for the allocation of funds to reactivate and re-orient CAFGUS to strengthen the peace force and deter harassments or lawless activities especially since the 2010 elections is just around the corner, which proposal was agreed by all with the organization of an Oversight Committee or Advisory Council composed of representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, 5th Infantry Battalion, 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade, LMP District 1 or 2 depending on the municipality concerned.

Finally, Governor Dimaporo reminded the august body that they should work together not just the military and the police but it includes the mayors as well. “I don’t like this to be a pointing game. We should be willing to work together,” said Dimaporo. Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff

Radyo natin opens 7th year anniversary with peace caravan

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte-To formally declare the month-long 7th Year Anniversary of 93.5 FM Radyo Natin Lanao commencing on November 21 to December 30, a peace caravan has been organized by its management headed by Ms. Edelyn “Kabiso Bulhing” de la Cruz-Balungcas and other religious leaders.

Under the theme “Kalinaw sa Lanao: Ipadayon pinaagi Kanimo ug sa responsableng Pagbalita” or more or less means that the peace in Lanao del Norte should be continued or maintained through every resident and that of relaying responsible news or information, peace advocates gather round the Freedom Park in Kapatagan town eager to be a part of a peace covenant that the attainment of peace and order is in fact and indeed a shared responsibility. Cooperation, unity and harmony are needed for a lasting peace situation herein. The same would then result to peaceful co-existence despite the sheer cultural differences and inevitably led to economic progress and social development.

The event commenced with a Peace Song led by Pastor Jun Ramos, host of Pulong sa Kinabuhi, Church of God, Seventh Day Adventist followed by a prayer in Christian Pastor Romeo Cube, host of Unsay Gisulti sa Biblia, Bible Baptist Church while the Muslim prayer is led by Ustad Salim Ansar, host of Mensahe sa Islam, Muslim Cultural Islam Convert of the Philippines. Afterwhich, an overview of the activity was given by Pastor Edilberto “Jun” Paguican, Vice-Chairman, Radyo Natin Club.
With the first part of the program finished, a motorcade followed from the said Freedom Park to Lala, Baroy then to the Provincial Capitol in Tubod where Ms. Balungcas formally launched the RNC Television Network and LDN Today Newspaper. On the other hand, Pastor Freddie Inovejas led the launching of Mahal Nato Ang Lanao del Norte.

Signing of the Peace Covenant by representatives and blocktimers and Peace Symbol is released to seal the covenant.

To celebrate the success of the activity, a get-together-dinner is sponsored by Sagguniang Bayan Member of Lala Jhing Perez.

The program was ably hosted by RNC Meriam Paguican, RNC Jun Paguican and LDN Today Edwin Paypa. Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff

Prolife bikers successfully host 1st triathlon

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte-One of the highlights of the Fiesta Celebration of Christ the King is the first triathlon in Lanao del Norte which is successfully organized by the Prolife Bikers of Barangay Maranding, Lala, this province.

The sports event commenced with water rafting along the river cruising Salvador to Lala. After the water race, the athletes raced back to the Flores Gymnasium to get their mountain bikes for the cycling leg to Maranding Women Investors Multi-Purpose Cooperative Training Center then race back to the Flores Gymnasium for the final leg of the event.

Red Team is the emerging winner bagging the cash prize of P6,000.00. While the White Team brought home the 2nd prize of P4,000.00.

“It is not winning the first prize that matters, but what is important to me aside from the camaraderie and teamwork experienced, is that the potentials of Maranding in catering to triathlon or biking events are great,” Red Team athlete Adan Campilan said.

According to Prolife Bikers’ leader, Archer Undag, they have organized this event to invite sports enthusiasts for them to experience first-hand that the province has a potential for such sports should they look for future venues to hold this type of race. Moreover, by holding this activity, it will also boost tourism and the accompanying livelihood and economic progress opportunity for the residents and locality.

Joining the event are Prolife bikers themselves, local sports enthusiasts, bikers from the 35th Infantry (MAKAMANDAG) Battalion troopers headed by the unit’s Commanding Officer Lt Col Sagat M Bongolan.

Prolife Bikers is an informal group of bikers organized themselves as such by their common love for biking and other sports activities which they believed to be one of the best ways to life span longevity and to stay healthy and fit. Also, the organization shares responsibility of preserving mother-nature through its sports advocacy showcasing the scenic beauty and bounty of the province. Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff

1,006 household beneficiaries receive cash cards under 4ps

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE:Under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 1,006 household beneficiaries in Barangay Dimayon, Tagoloan town this province received cash cards on November 18.

These cash cards are distributed by Land Bank of the Philippines-Iligan Branch staff assisted by municipal and barangay officials.

As of July 30, P4,627,300.00 is already released to seven barangays in Tagoloan town alone.

In the province of Lanao del Norte, the municipalities of Tagoloan, Magsaysay, Salvador, Sapad, Kapatagan, Lala, Tangcal, Munai, Nunungan and Poona Piagapo has been released an aggregate cash grant amounting to P59,515,600.00 as of July 30.

Under 4Ps, stakeholders involved in ensuring the proper implementation of this program include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government through Municipal Social Welfare, Health and Education Offices.

4Ps is a development program designed to promote investment in human capital among poor families with pregnant women and 0-14 years old children.

Further, this program is patterned after the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs in Latin America and African countries which have been proven successful as a poverty reduction and social development program.

Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo lauded President Arroyo for having implemented 4Ps in Lanao del Norte since it is his stance that with good governance he must “champion the cause of the poor.

DSWD distributes cash-for-work to 3 barangays

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE:Under the Rehabilitation Component on Early Recovery Program for Conflict-Affected Areas in Lanao del Norte, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) headed by Annabel Mendez, distributed Cash-For-Work to the laborers of the road rehabilitation in barangays Dimayon, Darimbang and Kiazar all in the town of Tagoloan just recently.

The amount distributed to 90 residents of these barangays totaled P172,800 which is computed as follows: P192 per day X 10 days X 90 workers.

PSWDO Focal Person Abeliza C. Manzano said that these barangays are but a small percentage of the entire beneficiaries who have enjoyed this rehabilitation aid from the government.

Moreover, PSWDO head Annabel Mendez said that Cash-For-Work will be implemented continuously until funds allotted for this program is fully utilized having prioritized those residents who are mostly affected by the armed conflict and are displaced.

It is reported that residents where road rehabilitation projects, road/bridge construction, gravelling and other infrastructure projects of the government are being undertaken are the ones given priority to be employed thereat by reason of the Cash-For-Work program.

This is also in consonance with Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo’s 3-Point-Agenda on Social Development, Infrastructure and Rural Livelihood.

PIO, Tourism sponsor media tour at mighty cave park

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE:The Provincial Information and Tourism Offices of the Provincial Government this province sponsored a media tour around the Mighty Cave Park on November 11.

Together with representatives from the Department of Tourism Region X, Philippine Information Agency headed by Lorry Gabule, media practitioners, Lanao Norte Communicators Association members, municipal Tourism Officers, PIO staff Vincent Labial, Breezy Jimenez, Anna Riza Mae Sabaduquia, Noel Curay and Christopher Capio, Provincial Tourism Officer Minda Vargas-Regis and Ian Sharif Jamal embarked on a one-day tour at Tagoloan town’s gigantic and newly discovered “Mighty” cave conducted by the residents and the local government unit concerned led by the municipality Mayor himself Honorable Maminta “Mighty” Dimakuta.

The attendees experienced a rare adventure inside and outside the cave. Once inside, they are met by bats flying around having awaken by the sudden noise below them while outside, one will experience the beauty of nature with its lush greeneries and creatures crawling and flying such as snakes intertwining their figures with branches and twigs just above the visitors and birds spreading wingspan in the blue skies above.

After the tour, the guests are treated to a sumptuous lunch prepared by the LGU while inhaling the fresh air and enjoying the breathtaking view surrounding the function hall a few meters from the cave.

In the press conference that ensued, DOT Region X Accreditation Services Officer Josephine Roque and Caving Expert/Tour Operator Jerome Garcia assure Mayor Dimakuta and residents that their office and line agencies will facilitate for the proper registration and promotion of the tourist spot in order to boost eco-tourism in the said municipality.

Further, it was announced that guidelines, rules and regulations will be implemented once tourists visit and have a tour around the “Mighty” Cave Park.

Participating media practitioners include ABS-CBN reporter Roxanne Arevalo and cameramen, Bonita Ermac of Goldstar, Frank Dosdos of DXRJ and Mindanao Scoop, Gonie Loable-Editor of Mindanao Scoop, Ting Pelisco of Philippine Post.

On the other hand, the League of Local Tourism Officers who joined include Marlon Palomares from Tubod, Johnny Paul Lagura-Kapatagan, Marlyn Romande-Lala, Primrose Martinez-Sapad, Ryan Taladua-Kolambugan and Luz Mejorada from Maigo.

The said tour ended with the giving of tokens from LGU-Tagoloan and Certificates of Participation from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte.

Ginebra Kings reign supreme over Burger King whoppers

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE:In the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup on Tour at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Lanao del Norte on November 14, Barangay Ginebra Kings reigned supreme over the Burger King Whoppers defeating the latter with a score of 83-79.

Eric Menk emerged as the Best Player of said game garnering a score of 13 points and 5 rebounds which led the Barangay Ginebra Kings to a run-away winning for this leg of the PBA provincial tour.

Both teams gave their best performance gaining the crowd’s shouts of admiration, awe and excitement as the world-class gymnasium is filled with an almost full capacity of spectators from the province and nearby cities of Iligan, Ozamis, Tangub and Pagadian.

In an interview, Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo expressed his gratitude to the management and players of the Philippine Basketball Association for having granted the invitation extended to them to come and visit the province.

“Ito ay much-awaited namin dito sa Lanao del Norte. This shows to all that the province is peaceful and walang threat sa security ng aming visitors,” said the young governor.

Governor Dimaporo further expressed thanks to the PBA for its support in promoting the province and aiding its efforts in the attainment of peace and order herein.

In full support for the said event are Ozamis City Mayor Aldong Parojinog, Board Members Tominaman Sumalipao, Baldomero Zamora, Robert Matalines, Nestor Cantalejo, Solaiman Mutia Jr., Municipal Mayors Eduardo Mansueto of Tubod, Noel Deaño of Linamon, Bertrand Lumaque of Kolambugan and Abdul Aziz Batingolo of Tangkal. (Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff)

All systems go for 2009 Gov. Dimaporo’s national motocross championships

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte :With a world-class motocross dirt track finally completed, hundreds of national and local riders are set to see action on December 12 to 13, 2009 in the biggest motocross competition in northern Mindanao.

The province of Lanao del Norte is no stranger to the hosting of national motocross championships. In fact, it can even boasts of being the preferred venue for bemedalled riders in this extreme motorsport specially with the inclusion of motocross as one of the regular highlights in its ”Araw ng Lanao del Norte” celebrations.

One of the main reason why national riders flock to this province is the excellent location of its racing track. The site of the motocross track is inside the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) complex situated right in the heart of the capitol town of Tubod.

Spectators of this sport will also be glad to know that watching the death-defying jumps of these adrenaline junkies will be like watching their favorite game of basketball. This is because the track designers have carved out the expansive dirt track right in front of the MCC grandstand. The audience will then be able to watch every twist, turn and crash of the racers from the comfortable vantage point of the spacious grandstand.

It is no wonder then that with the increasing number of foreign and local tourists visiting Lanao del Norte to watch the varied spectator sports continuously being showcased here, the province is fast becoming the sporting destination in northern Mindanao.

“The province has been annually hosting the PBA games and we are adding new and exciting sports every year. This time we’ve chosen motocross because people are very thrilled to see their jumps and stunts. It is the goal of the provincial government to make Lanao del Norte not only the sporting destination in northern Mindanao but the motocross capital of the country as well”, explained Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica. VNL/PIO-LDN

Lanao Norte coops conduct tree planting

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE: In celebrating the Cooperative Month in October under the theme: “One Cooperative Movement, One Vision, One Nation: Bagong Batas, Bagong Sigla sa Kooperatiba,” cooperatives around the province conducted a tree planting activity signifying their unity and responding to the call of our nation to protect mother nature at Barangay Caromatan, Kolambugan, this province.

The activity is organized by the Provincial Cooperative Office headed by Mr. Rodrigo S. Gamit in coordination with the Provincial Cooperative Development Council members and officers, PCDC Chairman and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairman for the Committee on Cooperatives Honorable Robert O. Matalines, Mayor Bertrand M. Lumaque and Department of Trades and Industry.

4000 pieces of propagules were sponsored by the Local Government Unit of Kolambugan, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), ECOWEB and other planting materials were from the Federation of Cooperatives in Kolambugan.

More than 300 cooperative members and guests participated in the said activity.

Lending their hands are Maranding Women Investors Multi-purpose Cooperative (MWIMPC), Lala Department of Agriculture Cooperative, BILLMAG, KODEMCO, Baybay Small Scale Fishermen Multi-purpose Cooperative, Caromatan Mangrove Growers, Caromatan Fisherfolks and Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (CAFIFAMPCO), Libertad Fishermen, Pag-amuma Kulasihan, Palao Women’s Organization, Mangrove Fishermen Multi-purpose Cooperative, Simbuco Aquamarine Multi-purpose Cooperative, PNP Ladies Multi-purpose Cooperative, San Roque Heights Farmers’ Association, LASGROW, Lanao Comrades Multi-purpose Cooperative (LANCOM), FICCO, LAFFCOD, PASAKA and Golden Arrow Vision Of Life Foundation Inc.

“This activity hinders the effect of global warming and one way of improving our environment especially caring for Panguil Bay in which mangroves are slowly dying,” said Mr. Nerio B. Piola, BFAR OIC in Lanao del Norte.

The apparent devastating effects of global warming and climate change as experienced in Luzon, led these organizations to make it a responsibility the preservation of the beauty and bounty the province is blessed with.(Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff)

DPWH-10 implements infra projects in Lanao del Norte

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE: Under the Special Local Road Fund (SLRF) mandated by Republic Act 8794 and through the Memorandum of Agreement signed by and between the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte represented by Governor Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo and the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10, the latter has implemented several infrastructure projects by re-gravelling roads herein.

Governor Dimaporo pushed for the re-gravelling project since it is in accordance with his 3-point Agenda on Social Development, Infrastructure and Rural Livelihood.

“Better roads are components for social development, economic progress because of the easy access and convenience in going to and fro markets transporting local produce and therefore living conditions will get better also,” Dimaporo said.

These projects has a total budget allocation of P1,745,605.23.

As per report from the Provincial Engineer’s Office headed by Engineer Marietta Burillo, in October 15, 2009 these projects are already completed

DA, BFAR eye Panguil Bay for mariculture, aqua tourism

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE: The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) eyed Panguil Bay, one which is cruising the coastal boundaries of the province as a viable site for mariculture zone/park construction and aqua tourism replicating that of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and a larger one is planned.

In a demonstration at the Provincial Capitol amphitheater held last November 2 attended by former Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo, Tubod town Vice-Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval, Barangay Poblacion Chairman Vicmar Aguilar, town council, DA Regional Director David F. Ernacio and staff, Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan and staff, BFAR consultant Perfecto Orbita and Drexel Marquez affirmed that Panguil Bay fronting Tubod town is indeed a good area for the project, seeing the sustainability of the site where the zone/park and aqua tourism is to rise.

Moreover, former Governor Angging Dimaporo said that with the consultants’ affirmation, the project will be able to augment the living conditions of marginal fisherfolks, create alternative livelihood and employment, lead the province to economic growth and create opportunity for export business.

The proposed mariculture zone/park and aqua tourism is an area on the sea with a communal boundary markers subdivided into “plots” for fish cage operation whether small, medium or large scale projects. Further, it has navigational lanes and storm resistant mooring system with floating security houses and ancillary support facilities such as waterhouses, cold storage, service boats and the likes.

Once this plan is put into full operation, the barangays representing the marginalized sector will become the prime movers of the project due to their insurable interest for its success. Aside from that, the barangays concerned will be able to add up to their coffers through collection of taxes and fees due to them.

The realization of this project will definitely enhance biodiversity and conservation of marine life for ecological balance as well as enhance the entrepreneurial ability of marginalized fisherfolks in the province.

Target high value species which will be propagated in fish cages are leopard coral grouper, coral grouper, tiger grouper, humpback grouper, peacock hind, black pomfret, seabass and sergeant fish.(Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff)

Sultan brigade opens Pagari park

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte: In the occasion of the 9th Founding Anniversary of the 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade on October 26, Pagari Park, which is a newly developed scenic garden situated “at the heart of the camp in Maria Cristina, Iligan City” is officially opened to guests and friends.

“Pagari” is a Maranao word for friend that is aptly chosen for this place since this will be used in receiving guests and this serves as a spot dedicated to promote friendship and harmony, according to Col Benito Antonio T de Leon.

The said park showcased three major Philippine Muslim cultures, Maguindanao, Maranao and Tausug. Musical instruments, head gear and even bolos were displayed thereat which depict the culture it represented.

In addition, the park is a comely place for nature-lovers because of its cool ambience what with a flowing man-made miniature waterfalls and pond, lush-greeneries and wooden chairs where one could relax and contemplate on things.

Cutting the ribbon are eco-tourism, culture and arts advocates former Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo, Iligan City Mayor’s First Lady Gina Sue Hilda Macapayag-Cruz, Brigade Commander’s First Lady Madam Annabel de Leon and ….MGen Romeo D Lustestica’s First Lady Madam Malou Lustestica.

An interfaith prayer and consecration commenced the event attended by Iligan Diocese Catholic Bishop Elenito Galido, Islam Aleem Elias Macarandas, Seventh Day Adventist Reverend Pastor Danilo Romas and Datu Rolando Soong.

Pagari Park materialized due to the support and contribution of Matungao town Mayor Jaber M. Azis, Annabelle de Leon, Tagoloan Mayor Maminta Dimakuta, Robert Estroga Landscaping Services, Jeffrey Rufo Galvez, Norcaya Maquiling, Kauswagan OIC Mayor Mastura Manangolo, Hon. Elias Montod, Alexis Natividad, Magsaysay Mayor Haironi Omar, Engr. Marivel Frances Ong, TSg Francisco Saladaga, Engr. Hilal Sangcopan, Poona Piagapo Mayor Hadji Yusop Saripada, Engr. Roger Suyang and the rest of the SULTAN troopers. (Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff)

Makamandag Battalion maintains peace and order stance

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE-The 35th Infantry (MAKAMANDAG) Battalion, headed by Lt Col Sagat M Bongolan, showed to the civilians that all efforts are geared towards peace and order, unity, economic growth and social development during its booth display showcasing military gears, armaments, unit history, vision and morolandia knives and bolos during the 9th Founding Anniversary of the 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade at Maria Cristina, Iligan City under the theme “Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”


Civilians and curious on-lookers are welcomed by 1Lt Moises D Palma and MAKAMANDAG troopers and were given a briefing as to the Philippine Army’s role in Lanao del Norte as regards to peace and order stability, economic progress and social development.


Further, guests are free to hold combat weapons, informed of its uses and have pictures taken holding the same, given explanation and demonstration as well of how and when the different guns are used.


According to Lt Col Bongolan, this activity, which is spearheaded by Col Benito Antonio T de Leon, Commander of the 104th Infantry (SULTAN) Brigade, poses an opportunity for the military to make clear to the civilians their mission and mandate under the law. With this, residents of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City will be assured that military presence herein served to secure the lives, limbs and properties of the people.


In addition, people will appreciate more the efforts of the Philippine Army since its task does not pertain solely to combat operations but it does involve civil-military operations which somehow eases the living conditions of communities in every unit’s areas of operations what with medical missions, vetcaps, brigada eskwela activities, feeding programs, to mention a few.



With these endeavors, winning the hearts and minds of the people will pave the way to unity, peace and harmony. The military is indeed one of the vehicles towards peaceful coexistence and links residents despite cultural differences.


MAKAMANDAG Battalion’s areas of operation encompass the municipalities of Munai, Bacolod, Kolambugan, Tangkal, Tubod, Magsaysay, Baroy, Lala, Salvador, Kapatagan, Sapad and Sultan Naga Dimaporo.Breezy C. Jimenez/PIO staff