CSAFP Statement Senate Hearing on the Mamasapano Incident

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Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony for "A Happy Barangay Project"

Culiat, Quezon City, Metro Manila - Troops from 7CRG led by Major Ric Dayata facilitated a MOA Signing between the Rotary Club of Makati-Pasong Tamo led by its President, Mary Lou Carpio Claudio and Brgy. Culiat led by its Chairman, Victor D. Bernardo at Culiat Barangay Hall on 19 February 2015. The agreement is in consonance with the "Happy Barangay Project" of Rotary International which focuses on the following: 

1. Peace and conflict prevention/resolution-community grievances, peace pacts, etc.
2. Disease prevention and treatment- vitamins and medicines distribution, etc.
3. Water and sanitation-clean up, purified drinking water, toilets/garbage collection and disposal.
4. Maternal and Child care – medical care for all including vaccination.
5. Basic education and Literacy – including adult learning and skills training.
6. Economic and Community Development – including micro-credit/finance, micro-enterprise/business, livelihood forum and development.

Brgy. Councilors of the said Barangay, Task Force Youth and teachers were among who witnessed the symbolic MOA signing. Chairman Bernardo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the RCM-PT and the AFP through 7CRG, CRSAFP made all the coordinations and preparations to make the activity a success. The focus of the project is in line with the advocacies of the AFP in peace building and nation building efforts.

Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony at Culiat Barangay Hall (Photo by: Pfc Ramirez)

Turnover of Table Tennis Set at Culiat Elementary School (Photo by: Pfc Abedejos)

roadrunner29 | © KawalPH 

View more photos of this event at: Kawal Pinoy via https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.935511706471936.1073742030.572841469405630&type=1

AFP-PNP joins the general consultation on peace and development

DATU ESMAIL, DASMARINAS, CAVITE- Major Ric Dayata, Deputy Commander, 7th CRG, CRSAFP attended a General Consultation on Peace and Development on 18 February 2015 on the said barangay.

The activity was also attended by PSUPT NESTOR QUINSAY, Director, PCRG, PNP and the Union of Muslim Community Leaders of the Philippines.

In his message, Major Dayata conveyed to the attendees the advocacies of the AFP in strong partnership with the PNP especially in nation building and peace and development. 

After the program, an open forum was conducted which was actively participated by the residents of the said Muslim community.

The Union of Muslim Community Leaders of the Philippines led by its Chairman, Atty Mabiling and Ustadz Bong Alonto expressed their support to the advocacies of the AFP and PNP.

PMA holds annual Alumni Homecoming

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – More than a thousand active and retired soldiers and policemen will return to their alma mater to celebrate the annual Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City on February 19-22, 2015.

Major General Oscar P. Lopez, the PMA Superintendent and his partner, Retired Major General Jose Ma. G. Solquillo, President of the PMA Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI), are now laying the ground works for the coming of over 1,500 cavaliers during the said event. The cavaliers will be marching at the hallowed grounds of Fort Del Pilar called as the Borromeo Field.

This year, the PMA alumni invited Hon. Eduardo S.L. Oban Jr., Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Oban is the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979.

Expected to attend in the ceremony are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr of Class ’81, Defense Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin of Class ’68, PMAAAI Board of Directors, and Medal of Valor Awardees. 

The lead host for this year’s homecoming is Class 1985 (Sandiwa). Other hosts include Class 1970 (Magiting), 1975 (Makabayan), 1980 (Mapitagan), 1990 (Bigkis-Lahi), 1995 (Marilag), 2000 (Sanghaya), 2005 (Sanlingan), and 2010 (Masidlak).

The oldest cavalier is CAV Vicente Alhambra and CAV Catalino Ibañez both from Class 1942 while the youngest is CAV Bryan S Arlegui of Class 2014.

To celebrate the homecoming, the PMAAAI has planned out a series of activities that will run from February 19 to 22.

Among the highlights include the PMA Alumni Eco Trail Run within Fort Del Pilar and Battle of Classes Golf Tournament at Camp John Hay on February 19; Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the PMA Alumni Memorial, Opening of PMA Football Cup and Leadership Forum for Cadets at PMA Campus on February 20; the traditional “Open House” at the PMA Cadet Barracks on February 21; Arrival Honors for Royal Thai General Thawip Poonsiri Netniyom of Class ’81, and Silent Drill on February 22.

During the main event on February 21, a special recognition will be given to the members of PMA Class 1955 as Diamond jubilarians (60 years); Class 1965 as Golden jubilarians (50 years); and Class 90 as Silver jubilarians (25 years).

The PMAAAI will also give honor to outstanding cavaliers for their achievements in their own field of expertise.

The honorees are Police SSupt Wilfred A. Nicolas of Class ’65 for Private Enterprise; Director General Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Class ’70 for Public Administration; LtGen Felicito VM. Trinidad, Class ’82 for Command and Administration; Col Danilo G. Pamonag, Class ’85 for Army Operations; SSupt Ronald M. Dela Rosa, Class ’86 for Police Operations; LtCol  Elpidio T. Factor, Class ’95 for Naval Operations; Cdr  Inocencio C. Rosario Jr., Class ’96 for Coast Guard Operations; Maj Gremel B. Brual, Class ’96 for Special Operations; and Maj Jonathan P. De Leon, Class ’01 for Air Force Operations.

The PMA has produced over 10,000 alumni with 106 others who graduated from allied service academies since its establishment in 1936. Some of its members became leaders and key-position holders in the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies while some have served in the government, corporate, non-profit, educational, and other leadership and management positions at various levels of responsibility.

Public Affairs Office, AFP, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

Tel. Nos.:  911-6001 local 6000 & 6700

Fax. No:  911-6439

Email: paoafp@gmail.com

Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

Twitter: @TeamAFP

Army-NPA firefight in Saranggani: 7 rebels slain

(Slain NPA Rebel)

At least 7 members of the New People’s Army were killed in a firefight with government troops Monday in  Saranggani, Major Ezra Balagtey, public affairs chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said Tuesday.

Five of the slain rebels were ranking members. He identified them only by aliases: Brigol, deputy secretary and political officer of Guerilla Front 71; JM, team leader and logistic officer; Jonas/Batot, team leader; Lieutenant, vice team leader; and Mark, medic.

The two other slain rebels were alias Monet, a new recruit, and another unidentified female.

The troops were led by 2Lt. Jerson Sanchez of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

Sanchez’s group was on combat operation at around 3:30 p.m. pursuing a group of   rebels after a brief encounter in the morning when the second firefight erupted that killed the rebels.

After the firefight, the soldiers recovered from the slain rebels 2 AK47 rifles, an M653, 6 M16 rifles, 4 improvised landmines, 2 riffle grenades, medical equipment and medicines, 5 ICOM radios, 30 backpacks, and subversive documents.

There was no casualty on the government side.

Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said the clash was part of the continuing campaign of his command for “focused operations” against the NPA.

“We can destroy them anytime at will,” he said.

He said the Front 71 was converging for “another tactical offensive” when the military intelligence in the area got hold of their plan.

“Their plan to launch tactical offensive is part of their show of force in preparation for their anniversary next month. So, inunahan lang namin sila,” Baladad said.

On March 29, the NPA will be celebrating its 46th founding anniversary.

Source:http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/18/army-npa-firefight-in-saranggani-7-rebels-slain/

NPA raids Davao police station; 5 dead

DAVAO CITY, Philippines- – Four soldiers and a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla were killed when a group of rebels tried to overrun a police station in Mati, Davao Oriental Sunday night.

Reports said at least a hundred gunmen in three utility vans and a truck arrived at the Mati police station at around 7:30 p.m.

Southern Mindanao police director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario said police officers and soldiers from the Army’s 701st Infantry Brigade exchanged fire with the guerrillas, who fled in the vans, leaving behind the truck.

An alleged rebel, who has yet to be identified, was killed in the firefight that lasted about 12 minutes.

The four soldiers died after their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) as they were pursuing the rebels.

Two were killed at the scene while another died yesterday morning.  Five others were brought to a hospital for treatment.

Another soldier, who was in civilian clothes and on a motorcycle, was shot dead by the rebels at a checkpoint they put up as part of the blocking force of those who raided the police station.

1/Lt. Vergel Lacambra, spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, identified the slain soldiers as Pfcs. Daniel Damansila, Wil Christian Resuello, Pvt. Ryan Amigo and Sgt. Adel Licunan. 

The wounded were Pfcs. Zaldy Canonero, Ian Mark Babiera, Emerito Castillo and Vergil Logronio.

Rosario said the Mati City police station is considered a high-risk area for NPA attacks. It was also raided by a band of rebels in 2011.

The attack came after the Philippine Army last week declared Davao Oriental as insurgency-free.

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, two suspected  NPA rebels were also killed in an alleged firefight with police officers in Milagros town in Masbate Sunday afternoon.

The rebels were trying to extort money and goods from Barangay Bangad chairman Freddie Bolivar when the lawmen arrived.

Instead of giving in, the suspects reportedly opted to shoot it out with the officers. One of the fatalities was identified as Ronilo Culibar.

Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/02/17/1424422/npa-raids-davao-police-station-5-dead

3 killed in Mati police station attack

(Map of Mati City)

MANILA -- Two soldiers and a New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed as government security forces foiled a rebel attempt to capture the Mati City Police Station in Davao Oriental Sunday night.

10th Infantry Division spokesperson Vergel Lacambra said the NPA attempt fizzled out as duty police officers stood their ground and were reinforced by troopers of the 701st Infantry Brigade 30 minutes after the attack, which started around 7:30 p.m.

A running gun battle occurred, killing two troopers and one NPA fighter.

Joint Army and Philippine National Police personnel based in Mati City have now contained the situation. Armored vehicles were mobilized to secure the heavily populated area from further NPA attack.

Lacambra said government troopers are now pursuing the fleeing rebel force. Nearby government forces in the province were also alerted.

The attack came as a surprise following a declaration by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that Davao Oriental is insurgency-free.

10th Infantry Division Commander Eduardo Año considered the attack as a desperate nuisance move by NPA amidst the strengthening developmental programs of Davao Oriental anchored on a stable peace and order climate prevailing in the province.

“While we strongly condemn this attack by the lawless NPA bandits notably even in a populated community, we will continue working with different stakeholders to make sure Davao Oriental remains a development-ready province. All together, we will keep it that way," Año said. (PNA)

Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2015/02/16/3-killed-mati-police-station-attack-392413

MILF leader slain in clash with BIFF

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6 troops, 5 civilians hurt, 2 Abus killed in Basilan clash

(AFP TROOPS)

Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed while six soldiers and five civilians were wounded after intense firefight erupted between military troops and bandit group in Basilan province yesterday.

Quoting reports from the field, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Public Affairs Office chief, said the seven-hour running gun battle started around 5:45 a.m. along Barangay Kuhon in al Barka town. He added a company-sized of soldiers from the military’s Joint Task group Basilan engaged the Abu Sayyaf band of Bashir Kasaran, resulting in the killing of two terrorists while two others were wounded.

Six soldiers were wounded during the clash and are now in stable condition, the military official said.

According to Cabunoc, the Abu Sayyaf bandits fired at the civilians while retreating, which resulted in wounding of five of them.

He said the military troops attended to initially to the wounded civilians before being evacuated to a local hospital in Isabela City.

A military helicopter providing close air support to the ground troops was also hit by enemy fire.

Cabunoc added the helicopter sustained “minor damage” but managed to land safely.

The encounter was a result of the continuing all-out law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf group jointly by the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The AFP and PNP are relentlessly pursuing the bandits in Basilan province in collaboration with the local government and in coordination with other stakeholders including the MILF communities,” said Cabunoc.

“We also commend the heroic pilots of MG MD520 attack helicopter that was hit by enemy fire while providing close air support to the ground troops which were swarmed by the bandits,” he added.

Cabunoc vowed continuous relentless operation against the ASG.

“We will not allow the lawless elements to hamper the development projects and other peace initiatives in the province of Basilan and the rest of Mindanao,” he said. 

In a separate encounter elsewhere in Mindanao, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander was killed during a clash with elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province Saturday, reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said yesterday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), identified the slain MILF member as Datukong Ampuan, alias commander Falcon, of the MILF’s 108th Base Command.

Petinglay said the MILF band of Ampuan, under Jack Abas, clashed with elements of the BIFF, led by Shiek Muhiddin Animbang, alias Karialan, along Barangay Kalbugan in Pagalungan town.

According to Petinglay, the firefight started around 5 p.m. and lasted up to 8 p.m.

There were reports that the BIFF side suffered undetermined number of casualty.

Petinglay said elements of the 7th Infantry Battalion (IB) were tasked to closely monitor the incident.

The clash between MILF and BIFF elements came more than two weeks after fighters from the two groups joined forces against police commandos in Mamasapano also in Maguindanao.

Authorities tagged MILF and BIFF fighters in the brutal killing of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos, including seven junior officers, in barangays Pidsandawan and Tukanalipao last Jan. 25. AFP

Source:http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/6-troops-5-civilians-hurt-2-abus-killed-in-basilan-clash

Marwan had trained bombers since 2000

(Umbra Kato-BIFF Leader and Marwan-FBI Most Wanted Terrorist)

MANILA, Philippines - Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir has been operating and running the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist cell in the Philippines from as early as 2000 until he was killed by the police in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month.

Zulkifli, also known as Marwan, had been training Muslim rebels in bomb making and demolition operations.

Among those who trained under Marwan were members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf.

Intelligence reports obtained by The STAR showed that despite the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF on Oct. 7, 2012, the rebel group continued stockpiling arms and training at Camp Uato, Sitio Barit, Barangay Uato in Marawi City.

BIFF spokesman Abu Misri has been boasting in various radio and television broadcasts of the group’s direct alliance with Islamic State (IS) extremists as well as the Abu Sayyaf under Isnilon Hapilon, and that they were trained by Marwan to manufacture improvised explosive devices in Maguindanao and in Lanao del Norte.

An instructors’ training for the BIFF at Barangay Pilis in Talayan, a few kilometers from Mamasapano in Maguindanao held during the third week of July 2012 was supervised by a relative of Marwan.

It was also reported that aside from the BIFF, some 40 fighters of the MILF 105th Base Command also finished their basic military training course held at Barangay Libutan in Mamasapano in July 2012.

Both the MILF and the BIFF rebels controlled surrounding villages in the area.

“The MILF and the BIFF literally controlled inner areas in Mamasapano and most of the adjacent villages of other towns in the complex that it was highly impossible for them not to know Marwan’s presence within their very own enclave,” one senior security official said.

This was his response to the MILF’s firm denial that they did not know Marwan’s whereabouts, claimed that he was highly mobile.

Marwan was hiding at Barangay Pidsandawan when the police Special Action Force raided the hut he was staying in and killed him before dawn last Jan. 25.

The operation to neutralize Marwan, however, came at a heavy price, with 44 SAF commandos killed by combined MILF and BIFF rebels in the fighting that ensued.

While there is no official confirmation from the BIFF of knowing Marwan’s presence in their area, sustained anti-terrorism intelligence monitoring showed the slain Jemaah Islamiyah militant had been moving from one place to another in Maguindanao as well as in Lanao del Norte.

Marwan was even photographed sitting beside with the already sick BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato when a group of Arab and local jihadists with links to the IS paid him a visit at his enclave at Barangay Pilis in Talayan town, a couple of kilometers from Mamasapano.

The towns of Shariff Saidona and Datu Saudi, located between Talayan and Mamasapano, have been classified by government security forces as the “loitering area” of Muslim and private armed groups.

Marwan’s ‘graduates’

Marwan and his Filipino cohort Basit Usman have trained hundreds of militants in explosives and bomb making.

Security officials pointed out Marwan’s “graduates,” estimated at around 300 militants, have been scattered around Mindanao and are possibly now hiding in Metro Manila.

Following the killing of Marwan, there is a big possibility that his graduates would stage retaliatory attacks in Metro Manila.

The 18,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has remained on heightened alert to prevent this, a ranking police official said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria clarified they have not received any intelligence information that Marwan’s “disciples” would stage retaliatory attacks in Metro Manila, but he ordered his men to track them down as a preventive measure.

Valmoria alerted the five police district directors in Metro Manila of such possibility as he ordered them to coordinate with elders of Muslim communities to report immediately the presence of Marwan’s “students” once they are spotted.

Valmoria also ordered the close monitoring of airports, seaports and bus terminals to detect the possible entry of Marwan’s graduates. – Non Alquitran

Source:http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/02/15/1423887/marwan-had-trained-bombers-2000

NPA vice commander falls in Surigao del Sur

Intensified security operations of units under Eastern Mindanao Command resulted in four encounters against New People’s Army rebels and the capture of an NPA vice commander last Feb. 12.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, in a statement yesterday, said troops from 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and Lianga Police Station apprehended two NPAs in a checkpoint operations at Samilia Detachment, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

The duo, identified as Robert Laurente Rivas Jr., alias “Opos,” a rebel vice commander operating in the area and Jojean Alameda, were on their way to lay landmines when intercepted by government troops.

Recovered from their possession were an anti-personnel improvised explosive device (IED); a .38 caliber revolver; a blasting cap; 27 meters firing wire for IED; a cellphone (My Phone) with simpack; two battery packs for cellphone; and cash money amounting to P520.

In another incident, a 10-minute skirmish took place between Special Forces troopers and NPA fighters in Barangay Capitan Angel, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, also 9 a.m. Thursday.

Still in Bukidnon, another firefight took place at 2 p.m. when troops from 8th Infantry Battalion were fired upon by NPA bandits while responding to the information about armed men coercing Barangay folks in Barangay Pagan in the town of Kitaotao.

In Dominga, Calinan District, Davao City, troops from 69 Infantry Battalion securing the road construction in the Bukidnon-Davao Highway, figured in a 10-minute encounter against NPA bandits at around 3 p.m.

In Sarangani Province, troops from 73rd Infantry Battalion were fired upon by NPA rebels at Sitio Tinungkaan, Barangay Tamban, Malungon town while conducting security operations in the area.

No casualties were reported among the government troops and from the NPAs during these skirmishes.

Source:http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/npa-vice-commander-falls-in-surigao-del-sur

Basit Usman wounded, hiding in Maguindanao–Mangudadatu

(Basit Usman)

BULUAN, Maguindanao – Basit Usman, the Filipino bomb-making expert wanted by the United States and the Philippine governments, had been critically wounded during the January 25 Mamasapano operation and is still hiding in Maguindanao, Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said here Friday.

“He is hiding, he was seriously wounded and hiding in the mountains of Maguindanao,” Mangudadatu told reporters at the sidelines of the pre-commencement activities of the week-long Sagayan Festival here.

He said the information was revealed to him by a “very reliable source.”

But Mangudadatu said Usman’s exact location was uncertain as of this time as he “moves every hour.”

“He is highly mobile with his followers,” Mangudadatu said.

On January 25, members of the Special Action Force launched an operation aimed at getting Usman and Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Marwan was killed in the said operation, along with 44 SAF members, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front members and several other civilians.

But Usman was able to escape although he had been wounded, Mangudadatu said.

He said Usman was being aided by about 10-15 armed men, who took turns in carrying him around.

“If you see a group of men carrying a wounded man, then that would the group. Please tell authorities about it, do not be afraid,” he added.

An Army intelligence officer, who declined to be named due to the nature of his job, said that Usman was now being tracked by an elite Army unit. He said the fugitive bomber could be heading to the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to leave mainland Mindanao for either Sulu or Tawi-Tawi.

“Please help save the Mindanao peace process by simply telling authorities about Usman’s presence in your community,” Mangudadatu said in his appeal to the people of Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu meanwhile agreed that Marwan and Usman had been living comfortably in Tukanalipao in Mamasapano before the SAF operation.

But he said villagers apparently did not know that the two were being sought by authorities.

He said based on what he got from the ground, Usman was simply known as “Teng,” and Marwan was “Ibs” to the villagers.

Source:http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/672670/basit-usman-wounded-hiding-in-maguindanao-mangudadatu

Cops, soldiers in Maguindanao work together after Mamasapano clash

(PNP SAF)

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - The security cooperation among policemen and Army units in Maguindanao has not been dampened by the infamous January 25 Mamasapano incident, feared to drive a wedge in the solidarity of the two organizations.

Members of the Maguindanao mayors league said their municipal police chiefs and officers of Army units in their towns have not ceased from cooperating on security efforts and law enforcement activities despite the incident.

At least 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force, 18 guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and four civilians were killed in the January 25 gunfights in Barangays Pidsandawan, Inog-og, and Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town in the second district of Maguindanao.

The SAF operatives had just killed then in a dawn raid Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, most known as Marwan, in his hideout at the border of Inog-og and Pidsandawan and were already maneuvering their way out when they encountered local MILF forces and a third group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (ID), which has jurisdiction over Maguindanao and the neighboring Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces, had explained in a Senate inquiry, which started early this week, that there were tactical lapses that prevented soldiers from initiating interventions as the firefights ensued.

Cynics have accused the 6th ID of not doing its best to help the SAF withdraw from the area where they were pinned down by overwhelming guerilla forces that attacked from different directions.

“What is saddening is that those creating, spreading these intrigues, skeptics and cynics, are not from Maguindanao. They are there in faraway peaceful places and are not aware of the real situation on the ground,” lamented Maguindanao’s appointed deputy governor, Ramil Dilangalen, a senior member of the provincial peace and order council.

Dilangalen said he has not heard of any policeman, or a municipal police chief spoke ill of the 6th ID after the incident.

“The Mamasapano incident has not affected the police-military relations in Maguindanao. That’s a fact,” Dilangalen said.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu on Thursday also refuted insinuations that the Mamasapano incident had caused a rift among policemen and Army units in the province.

“That is absolutely untrue. Policemen and soldiers in the province continued cooperating with each other in maintaining law and order in the 36 towns in Maguindanao, in joint missions that are being performed in the spirit of amity and cooperation,” he said.

The governor said one concrete proof of the strong, continuing security cooperation among police and military organizations in Maguindanao is the round-the-clock security being provided by both to the week-long provincial Sagayan Festival, which will culminate on February 14.

Combined contingents from the Maguindanao police and the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Markton Abo, who is an ethnic Maguindanaon Muslim, have been securing since last week many strategic spots around  Buluan, the new provincial capital and venue of the continuing Sagayan cultural activities.

Mayor Ramon Piang of Upi, a hinterland town in the first district of Maguindanao, said policemen and members of the Philippine Marine Corps based in their municipality continued co-existing peacefully despite the Mamasapano incident.

Piang, an ethnic Teduray chieftain, said policemen in the province even ought to be cited for their having been sober and professional amid the pain of losing 44 colleagues in a deadly encounter with rebels in Mamasapano.

Piang, an erstwhile member of the government’s peace panel, helped craft, along with MILF negotiators, the power and wealth-sharing annex to the October 15, 2013 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.

Top police and Army officials are expected to grace Saturday’s culmination of the Sagayan festival in Buluan, said Mangudadatu.

He said the security missions of policemen and soldiers protecting the venues of the Sagayan activities are closely coordinated with local commanders of the MILF.

Standup comedian Vice Ganda was guest in Wednesday night’s Sagayan merry-making in Buluan, where he told local folks he personally felt there is indeed peace in the province, contrary to how people outside feel.

Source:http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/02/12/1422935/cops-soldiers-maguindanao-work-together-after-mamasapano-clash