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JOINT TASK GROUP SULU:
Bringing Peace, Progress and Prosperity to Sulu
MAIDEN ISSUE CAMP BUD DATU, BRGY TAGBAK, INDANAN, SULU
OCTOBERDECEMBER 2014
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2
JOINT TASK GROUP SULU Camp Bud Datu, Brgy Tagbak, Indanan,
Sulu
Editorial Board COL ALAN R ARROJADO INF (GSC) PA
Chairman
COL MAXIMO G BALLESTEROS PN(M) GSC Vice Chairman
COL BERNARDINO S SUN GSC (CAV) PA
Member
Editorial Staff
PROF JOSEPHINE JARON CODILLA Editor-in-Chief
2LT CHARMAINE B LEONERO (FS) PA
Assistant Editor-in-Chief
CPT ANTONIO G BULAO I (INF) PA Managing Ocer
MAJ GERMELO A CALMA (QMS) PA
Sgt Ramelito A Arnoco (FA) PA PFC John Carlo B Bendanillo (Inf)
PA
Layout Arsts
PFC Mayden L Libo-on (EW) PA Producon NCO
TSg Bernard M Navarro (Inf) PA Cpl Oliver C Dayag (Inf) PA
Photographer
For your comments or suggesons, please text, call or email us
at:
GLOBE:09175661315
Email: [email protected]
AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism
Whats Inside?
Page
3 - EditorsNote
4 - MessageofGov.AbdusakurTotohATanII
5- MessageofViceGov.AbdusakurMTan
6 MessageofCommander,WESTMINCOM
7-MessageofCommander,TFZAMBASULTA
8 MessageofCommander,5ID
9- MessageofCommander,JTGS
10-MessageofCommander,2MBDE
11- CommandersCorner
13-ACALLFORIMPROVEMENTINTHEINFANTRYCORPS
16 - DeputyBrigadeCommandersCorner
17 - JourneyfromNorthtoSouth:AnExperienceinLogistic
Interoperability
18- ABackgrounderontheAbuSayyafGroup(ASG)
19-AFP79thAnniversaryDistinguishedConductStarAward-
ee
21- 501stBrigadeJoinsSuluWeekofPeaceCelebration
22 - 501stBrigadespearheadsInter -agencyForuminSulu
Province
23- ProyektongPangkabuhayanIpinakilalasaSulu
24- JTGSuluDistributesSolarPanelstoOPCONUnits
PENROandROTCCadetsjoin501stBrigadeCelebrateAFP
DaythruTreePlanting
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Editors Note
AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 3
You do not stay in Sulu for a day or two and then talk as if you
al-ready know everything about it, declares Sulu patriarch and Vice
Gover-nor Abdukasur Tan. Indeed it will take some time for anyone
to know the tales of and about people, especially in a
culturally-rich and diverse place like Sulu. Perhaps having this in
mind, too, the leadership of the Department of National Defense,
through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, could not look for a
better man to lead its military offensives against the Abu Say-yaf
Group (ASG) in Sulu than COL ALAN R ARROJADO who has fought some of
the fiercest battles for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The
remarkable accomplishments of the Joint Task Group Sulu only three
months into its activation with Colonel Arrojado at its helm are
proof that the AFP leadership did not err in choosing its commander
for the heavy tasks and challenges that are concomitant with the
tall order of finally crushing the ASG and other lawless elements
in Sulu. This maiden issue of the JTG Sulu Journal might not give
justice to the feats of the units under it, yet perhaps there is no
accomplishment greater than the opening up of each individual
soldier, each battalion and every unit under the JTG Sulu to the
instruction and direction of a warrior leader whose fame for his
fierceness in battle precedes him. We invite all of you to join us
as we document and tell the world of the noble and gallant
individual and collective accounts and what could only be future
glorious endeavors and achievements of the Joint Task Group
Sulu.
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MESSAGE
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu. I take this
opportunity to congratulate the officers and men of the Joint Task
Group Sulu for exemplary services rendered in winning the Peace and
in conjunction with the publication of their Joint Task Group Sulu
Journal. I hope we all agree that there is no other substitute for
peace, which preconditions the progress and development of Sulu. As
advocate of shared responsibilities between the constituents, the
Local Government Units and the uniformed services towards this
noble goal, we will continue to support the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, in general, in its endeavors leading to a brighter
horizon for our people in this part of the Republic. We salute
you!
ABDUSAKUR A. TAN II Governor
Army Core Purpose: Serving the People, Securing the Land 4
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MESSAGE
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wa barakatu. Congratulations to
the Joint Task Group Sulu for the publication of their Joint Task
Group Sulu Journal.
The Journal, I hope, will satisfy the right of the people to be
duly informed of the activities of our braved men in uniform and
their various community services in furtherance of peace efforts.
The people, too, will be accorded the opportunity to better
appreciate our soldiers in a different light than the usual
pictures of combats and operations.
For Sulu, the Bayanihan Concept of the AFP in winning the peace
is rendered more meaningful in the light of the many unkind events
in the past with the horrors of conflicts and destructions still
residing in the hearts and minds of those who have witnessed and
experienced the episodes of that phase of our history.
Together, let us march along the path of peace towards a
brighter horizon for Sulu.
Maraming salamat po!
ABDUSAKUR M. TAN Vice Governor
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COMMANDER ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND Camp Basilio Navarro, Upper Calarian,
Zamboanga City
MESSAGE On behalf of the Western Mindanao Command, I convey my
warmest greetings to the officers and enlisted personnel of Joint
Task Group Sulu (JTGS) in your three months of serving the people
and securing the province of Sulu. This journal bespeaks of the
unparalleled comradeship of the units under JTGS are exhibiting as
you perform joint and combined operations. Truly, this manifests
your strong commitment in contributing to the overall effort of our
armed forces in winning a just and lasting peace in this part of
the nation. With this, you are all displaying of unwavering
dedication to duty which contributed greatly to the attainment of
our mission. May you further strengthen your commitment to the
service of our nation and people with the coming of this new year.
Continue to take pride in the uniform that you wear and in the
patriotic duty that we perform as protectors of our sovereignty.
Together with our fellow Tausugs and other minority groups, let us
work to attain a lasting peace not only for ourselves but for the
generations to come. Thank you and Mabuhay!
RUSTICO GUERRERO LTGEN AFP (SGD)
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 7
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
MESSAGE Its is with great pride and honor that I convey my warm
and proud greetings to all members of the Joint Task Group Sulu
(JTGS) on this maiden issue of your journal. I am the confident
that you will always beat your best in the performance of your job
and continue to be a dependable arm of our organization. The pages
bear your perseverance as you try to convey to the readers not only
your accomplishments for the period but also your thoughts and
aspirations. With these, I am very confident that we are on the
right track in endearing ourselves to the people of Sulu Province.
Keep up the good work. With the Internal Peace and Security Plan
Bayanihan as your guide, keep the Filipinos proud as they continue
to depend upon your efforts in ensuring lasting peace in the
country. Thank you and God bless us all.
REYNALDO L YOMA RADM AFP
COMMANDER
WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND HEADQUARTERS JOINT TASK FORCE
ZAMBALSULTA
NSRE, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City
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COMMANDER 5TH Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army
Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela
MESSAGE Peace be with you all! The 501 Valiant Brigade continues
to display excellence and professionalism in its journey for peace
from Cordillera Autonomous Region to Sulu Province, and I take
pride in acknowledging its challenging contributions in keeping the
units and personnel under it attuned to one direction. The Brigades
selfless services are among the strong factors that had placed the
command into a pedestal. These, among others, have in fact
continually propelled and motivated the Division to achieve and do
more. As the Division Commander, I would like to encourage the
Valiants to be always steadfast in their actions and to keep
themselves abreast of any situation. The peculiar challenges the
command is facing brings about the need to make the troops acquire
skills for different kinds of circumstances. It is therefore a must
that training of new abilities be given priority. It is also my
intent that Startroopers be able to inculcate the need to embrace
the transformation that will totally bring the Army into the next
level of excellence. Every soldier must internalize the Army
Transformation Roadmap and how it will affect their daily lives as
an armed force for peace in this part of the country. To the
Valiants, keep up the good work. Continue to be empathetic,
reliable and pro-active soldiers for the people of Sulu. We have to
nurture the peace we have already started to experience. Let us
work together as catalysts for harmony and defenders of
sovereignty. MABUHAY!
LYSANDER A SUERTE MGEN AFP
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 9
COMMANDER Joint Task Group Sulu
501ST Infantry (VALIANT) Brigade, 5ID, PA Camp Bud Datu, Brgy
Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu
MESSAGE I convey my warmest greetings to all readers of this
maiden issue of the JOINT TASK GROUP SULU JOURNAL, the official
publication of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS). This journal will
be the portal of our efforts and accomplishments as we serve the
people and secure the areas of Sulu and will be a bridge to the
communities and other stakeholders as we strengthen our
partnerships towards lasting peace and sustainable development in
the province. More than just defeating the enemy, the JTGS fulfills
its constitutional mandate of serving the people and state by
winning the peace in support to the governments efforts to develop
our communities. In doing so, we will ensure that our efforts are
transparent to the communities that we are serving through this
publication. I encourage you to share your opinions, comments and
even constructive criticisms so that we can efficiently and
effectively perform our duties and responsibilities. We are also
inviting you to articulate your ideas by sharing your articles in
our next issues. Your contribution will help other readers see how
we strengthen our partnership and collaboration with other
stakeholders. As we ensure our unity and coordination with each
others efforts, we will be able to achieve our mission and
contribute to attaining peace in this part of the country. Again,
let us join hands in making this journal a way to each others
hearts and minds, knowing that peace and development is anchored on
open and transparent line of communications with all stakeholders.
Thank you and God bless us all.
ALAN R ARROJADO COL INF (GSC) PA
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COMMANDER 2ND MARINE BRIGADE
Camp Gen Teodolfu S Bausta, Busbus, Jolo, Sulu
MESSAGE The Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), a newly activated unit
under the umbrella of the Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA is running
full steam ahead towards bringing peace, progress and prosperity to
the province of Sulu since its activation on 01 October 2014. The
creation of this journal then becomes an opportunity for our troops
to rekindle the inner pride we, men-in-uniform, feel in serving the
country as copies of this publication will be distributed to our
internal and external stakeholders. My warmest congratulations to
the journal staff who painstakingly yet enthusiastically came up
with the articles written herein, apt for a maiden issue of our
quarterly journal. Same respect complimented with a snappy salute
to our men and women in the forefront for courageously risking
their lives as we serve and protect Sulu while others perform
non-traditional roles in many ways and capacities with the same
objective to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in our area of
responsibility. I therefore enjoin all fleet and marine units of
the Naval Task Group Sulu to contribute further in nation building
in service to our flag and country specifically to this beautiful
island-province of Sulu.
MAXIMO J BALLESTEROS COL P N(M)
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 11
Commanders Corner
DOING OUR MISSION THE BEST WAY WE CAN
I received a text message on 12 December 2014 from a friend who
relayed to me the sentiments of some people from the Mindanao
Mainland about the performance of the Joint Task Group (JTG) Sulu
that is under my command. Accordingly, the general sentiment was
that people are not happy with the JTGs manner of doing its job
particularly in the area of intelligence which, they say, is rushed
and inaccurate. Some view the operational tempo as too fast, while
others say that planning is half-baked. The message sender also
expressed the view of some sectors about the JTGs lack of time for
rehearsals, of shifting tar-gets, hasty executions, heavy
expenditures on resources, dangerous and potential occasions for
collateral damage, and that no real CMO was taking place.
I thank the message sender for the comments, much as I welcome
constructive criticisms from any concerned citizen. It therefore
becomes my obligation as the commander to explain the JTGs side. As
a rebuttal to these sentiments and observations, I want people to
understand that the Army forces were hastily moved from Luzon to
Mindanao without the needed impediments and mission-essential
equipment for operations on the first week of October 2014, barely
a month after the JTGs activation on 15 September 2014 as one of
the operating units of Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA, with the tall
order not only to rescue kidnap victims (KVs) but also to decimate
the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at least in the province.
On 30 September, only fifteen days after the JTGs activation,
the Headquarters of the 501st Brigade arrived in Sulu from North
Luzon via a C-130 plane, followed by the 32nd Infantry Battalion
and the 35th Infantry Battalion. The 501st Brigade Headquarters
personnel and about fifty percent of the two battalions were all
new to the area. Billeting them was a problem as the Marine forces
had to make realignments to transfer their headquarters to be able
to give way to the Army units.
On 18 October, the 14th Scout Ranger Company arrived in Sulu,
followed by the First Scout Ranger Battalion in two batches, on 29
October and 19 November, respectively. Two (2) Scout Ranger Course
Classes, 190 and 191, and a Special Operations Task Group arrived
between late November and mid-December.
Despite limited time, we made sure that the minds of the Army
and Marine troops under our command were conditioned and briefed
about the operational environment. They had to be reminded to work
together as one AFP Team and had to be taught sensitivity towards
the Tausug culture. More importantly, I gave emphasis on respect
for human rights during operations, especially since several
watchdog organizations are present in the province, such as the
Human Rights Office, Karapatan, civil societies and NGOs.
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12 AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism
For timely and accurate intelligence, I organized the Joint
Intelligence Task Unit composed of the different military
intelligence units operating in the province who have proven that
despite their diversity, they could work together extremely and
harmoniously well. It is, in fact, from their outputs that I have
been basing my decisions in planning the JTGs numerous law
enforcement operations. This good collaboration between
intelligence personnel from the different units resulted in outputs
that tremendously helped the JTG successfully accomplish its tasks.
Likewise, using as tactical initiative the shifting of operational
forces, positive intelligence on the locations of the kidnap
victims and their abductors were drawn which caught the enemies off
guard thereby limiting enemy reinforcements.
With regard to the operational design, the JTG is currently
conducting continued and sustained combat as well as law
enforcement operations in tandem with the Sulu Provincial Police
Office. Mobile forces as well as static elements are tasked to
operate depending on the output of the Joint Intelligence Task
Unit. Again, shifting of forces is necessary hand in hand with fast
operational tempo, both geared towards running after terrorists and
offering the kidnap victims every opportunity to escape.
As the Island Commander, I take calculated risks at all times
when planning for every major law enforcement operation of the JTG,
yet prepared for any untoward occurrence, such as human rights
violations and the likelihood of collateral damage, confident that
my experience in the field, military trainings, education and
self-development have fully prepared me for this assignment,
especially given the very volatile situation in this part of the
country.
Even if this explanation may not totally eliminate speculations
and even criticisms about the JTGs work, our huge accomplishments
particularly in rescuing kidnap victims and destroying several ASG
members and their encampments so far have surpassed
expectations.
In short, we are doing things our way and are making tremendous
headway.
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
A CALL FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE INFANTRY CORPS BY COL ALAN R
ARROJADO INF (GSC) PA
I. Introduction/Background: The year was in 1995 and as an Army
captain instruc-tor assigned in Officers Preparatory and Soldiers
School, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army, I wrote a
position paper entitled Infantry: A Neglected AFPOS. My purpose was
to create awareness among infantry soldiers about the low regard
and treatment of the Infantry Corps within the Army organization in
terms of career advancement, trainings and equipage. It was aimed
further for them to appreciate their sacrifices and their important
role in the overall accomplishments of the Army. It was a wishful
thinking that the Infantry Corps should have is own Chief just like
with the other corps of the Army. As an initial positive result,
the Army Command then created the Office of the Army Chief Infantry
(OACI) that would be responsible for career advancement and
training development for the infantry members. Unfortunately, it
was soon deactivated just as it was easily established and was
replaced by the newly activated Army Personnel Management Center.
The irony of it all, only the OACI was dissolved; while other
Chiefs of Offices from the Artillery, Engineers, Armor, Nurse,
Dental Finance and the like remained unaffected. As years passed
by, no significant changes happened in the Infantry Corps. The way
I see it, the Infantry Corps as Armed Forces of the Philippines
Occupational Specialty (AFPOS) and as an organization is still
neglected and sidelined. As a review on Army organization,
generally, it is composed
of three (3) major groups or commands to wit: the combat or
maneuver units, the combat support units and the combat ser-vice
support units whose members are trained according to their
respective military occupational specialties for them to per-form
well their respective roles and functions in the Army. The combat
or maneuver units in our Army are the 10 Infantry Divi-sions, the
Special Operations Command and the Mechanized Infantry Division.
Their primary role is to close in with the ene-my by means of fire
and maneuver in order to neutralize or capture him.
For the combat support units, they serve as force multipliers
for the maneuver combat units. These are the Army
Artillery Regiment, Army Signal Regiment, Intelligence units and
Engineering Brigades belong to this group. On the other hand, the
combat service support units provide the various services supports
for the whole Army. These
units are the Army Support Command, the Army Finance Center,
APMC, the chaplain, medical and similar offices of units. Among the
three groups, the Infantry Corps is the biggest organization within
the Army; yet, it lacks significant
development much less needed immediate reforms in many aspects
as military organization.
II. Observations and Suggestions: Reestablish the Office of the
Army Chief of Infantry
My foremost call for improvement in the Infantry Corps is the
reestablishment and the designation of the Armys Chief of
Infantry. We need a senior Infantry officer who is visionary and
credible to pioneer the professionalization of the corps. If I may
suggest, he should be the most senior officer or general who rose
from Infantry career and had identity. Just like a leaderless
professional organization, its progress if there is any, is always
slow or if not misdirected. With a responsible Chief of Infantry, I
believe necessary reforms can be fast tracked in terms of career,
training, and equipage within the corps.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 14
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Reestablish the Army Infantry School
To professionalize its members, I strongly recommend to Army
leadership to reestablish the Army School of Infantry. As I have
long observed, the major cause for the lack of professional
expertise among infantry soldiers is the absence of a dedicated
training institution. Infantry soldiers are always exposed to
different training standards like the Scout Ranger and Special
Forces training methodology. Our Army I should say is the only Army
in the world perhaps like security forces of East Timor and Haiti
that has no Infantry school. Despite our Armys long existence and
the corps biggest membership, our Army overlooked the importance of
a standard Infantry training.
I believe this is the biggest mistake or omission of
past Army leaders from the 50s to date that they failed to
appreciate the importance of an excellent Infantry training, that a
credible Army should have. You see, majority in the Army admire
very much the Scout Ranger, the Special Forces, Intelligence
Operatives, Engineers, Armor troops and the like because their
soldiers perform well in their given tasks or missions. This is so
because their soldiers are trained in their respective schools or
training units. They have dedicated instructors that set training
standards for their corps members as well as develop their own
relevant doctrines. As such, if we want effective and efficient
Infantry soldiers or units in the Army, we must establish an
Infantry school immediately. We can do this by re-designating the
Combat Arms School into Infantry School and the Army Training
Groups into Infantry Training Groups.
With an Infantry school, the corps can now develop and enforce
Infantry training standards for its tactics, techniques,
procedures and Infantry skills. In fact, these Infantry TTPs are
no longer given much emphasis in the basic and advance training
courses of Infantry soldiers. This is very evident in the field
that Infantry soldiers could not execute basic field hand signals,
perform squad movement formations or fire and movement techniques
or demonstrate bayonet fighting skill. It is frustrating to know
from Infantry units deployed nationwide that soldiers do not know
these basic tactics. Thus, as my second call for reforms, the Army
should have an Infantry school that can standardize training and
develop relevant fighting doctrines for the Infantry.
Establish a Standard Infantry TO&E
As major component of the Army, I think it is now high time to
establish a simple, affordable and doable standard
Infantry Table of Organization and Equipment. If we want to have
an effective and potent combat unit, the more it is necessary to
have a standard Infantry TOE as basis in executing Infantry
mission. Without it, it will always appear blindly that infantry
soldiers are being sent to the field with lack resources needed to
accomplish their mission. A basic example and no longer in the
Armys inventory is the bayonet; consequently nobody in the Army
especially Infantry leaders value the bayonets importance. No
longer included in the soldiers combat clothing issues and
equipment, very few soldiers invested bayonets for their personal
field use. Another observation is that young platoon leaders seldom
lead a full complement of an Infantry platoon. More often, they are
leading only two to three squads during combat operations. With a
standard TOE and reinforced by commanders, Infantry units and
soldiers can execute well their tasks and mission in the field.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 15
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Designate an Infantry Officer as member in Infantry-related
procurement of uniforms and equipment. The biggest end users of
Armys procurement are the Infantry soldiers. It is but necessary to
protect the quality of Infantry supplies and equipment. Just like
in the previous decades, Army procurement and acceptance committee
members are mostly from the QM and OS corps. As suggested then that
an Infantry officer be included as member, all of them disagreed
because according to them Army procurement is all technical
matters. Hence, as a result and experienced, there were procurement
of defective combat boots, substandard uniforms and equipment that
were issued to field units. It is therefore mandatory to have an
Infantry representative in Infantry-related procurement of supplies
and equipment to assure the quality of these items. III. Rallying
Call To All Concerned Stakeholders:
To rally support for my call for improvement in the Infantry
Corp, I encourage and enjoin every infantry soldier and
other stakeholders to express support to my suggestions and most
especially elicit bright ideas from them. In this manner, we will
know the general view among Infantry soldiers if immediate reforms
are needed in the Infantry Corps. With other support and
suggestions; hopefully, it will result to drastic changes that will
eventually lead to the improvement of the Infantry Corps and the
Army as well.
I rally all those concerned stakeholders to contribute efforts
for the realization of professionalizing the Philippine Army
Infantry Corps.
IV. Looking Forward for Changes: As I have been in the active
service long enough, being with the Infantry units, I observed that
Infantry organization
has always been neglected and sidelined even until now. Nine
years ago, while in an open forum on military professionalism with
DND officials at NOLCOM Headquarters, I suggested to a senior
official that DND should direct the Army to establish an Infantry
School just like the Armor School for Mechanized Infantry Division.
You know what was his answer being a cavalry officer? He said The
Army does not need to establish an Infantry School because it will
only make the Army back to Jurassic period!
Though long retired, I believed he had not experienced the
hardships what infantry soldiers went through while
deployed in the field and the disparities of support of Infantry
compared to other AFPOSes. Most likely he was always riding inside
tanks or armored vehicles in every assignments while in the
service. His remark was devoid of concern for improvement not only
for the Infantry corps but to the Army in general. It only
illustrated his myopic view on the role of Infantry in the Army. I
consider likewise such remarks as an insult to all infantry
soldiers who sacrifice much compared to other corps in the Army. As
it is always said, Infantry soldiers are doing everything to
accomplish their mission nationwide; however, their leaders failed
to give due attention for their improvement in terms of career
development and raising training standards. Following the Army
Transformation Roadmap, my call for improvement for the Infantry
Corps is the first step for the Infantry Corps to reach that goal
in 2028: A world class Army, Source of National Pride.
V. Conclusion:
Our Army of today will still be our Army of the future; hence,
it is imperative for corps members to always seek ways to
make our organization better and dynamic. With my few remaining
years in active service, it is my crusade to put the Infantry Corps
in its right perspectives. I have been wondering ever since why
previous Army leaders failed to analyze the handicaps in the Armys
Infantry training equipage and career advancement. If nothing
happens to my call for reforms, I think I chose the wrong
specialization and perhaps I will begin to campaign to encourage
Infantry soldiers to join other Armys specialization because I
believe their members are better trained professionally.
So, my fellow infantrymen rotting in the field, always climbing
and operating in jungles and mountains across the
country, have been facing death countless of times mostly
staying away from their loved ones, and lest forgetting to fallen
comrades, come and join me in improving the Infantry Corps-The
Cutting Edge of the Philippine Army!
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 16
Deputy Brigade Commanders Corner We are Partners Hi there! This
is your Deputy Commander, Colonel Bernardino S. Sun. I am the spare
tire of the Commander who happens to be my classmate in the
Philippine Military Academy. So I take charge when the Commander
says so. My duties and responsibilities include the following:
1. Monitor the Brigades operational status; keep on the top of
all brigade staff activities;
2. Chairman and responsible for the following Committees;
a. Anti-Illegal Logging Committee;
b. Human Rights (HR) Committee (we are mandated to abide by the
provisions of HR and International Humanitarian Law);
c. Disaster Risk Reduction Task Committee;
d. Grievances Committee;
e. Monitoring, Reporting and Responding System on Grace Childs
Rights Violation in Armed Conflict Committee;
f. Housing Committee;
g. ENERCON Committee;
h. Gender & Awareness Development Committee;
i. Office of Ethical Standard and Public Accountability (OESPA)
Committee;
Our program is essentially anchored on the principles of the
AFPs Internal Peace and Security Plan which embodies the
Whole-of-Nation and People-centered Security Approach. Essentially,
this means that you and I or WE shall join hands in winning the
Peace. This is how we shall do it:
1.10% - support to law enforcement operations (LEOs). The role
of the Brigade is to support the apprehension of those with
warrants of arrest. Meanwhile, our operation is based on
intelligence in order to have a focused military operation. The
goal is to reduce the capabilities of lawless elements so that they
are no longer threats to the stability of the area. Once reduced,
your (you and the barangay) role now is to ensure the safety of the
residents
2. 40% - intensified stakeholders engagement (ISE). The Brigade
strives hard to reach out to the LGUs, NGOs, CSOs and other
entities for them to know our role here in Sulu Province. Our
Brigade Commander makes it a point to indoctrinate our personnel on
the cultural sensitivities of the locals for the appropriate
adjustment and that the personnel shall be able to conduct
themselves accordingly and shall be able to endear themselves to
the locals.
3. 50% - support to development/socio-economic activities. This
is an offshoot of the ISE. What we have learned from other
entities, we strive hard to attain with maximum introduction and
collaboration of economic/livelihood opportunities with you. There
will be an exchange of technology which shall enhance our troops
knowledge and skills.
The Brigade comprises of personnel coming from the different
parts of the country categorized as Muslims, Lumads, and
Christians. Most of our soldiers are from the MNLF Integration
Program of the government whom we call soldiers now. Many of them
are volunteering to be assigned here in Sulu to help our place
become a haven of peace.
Ours may not be a perfect organization, but with your support we
shall be trekking the right path. We encourage you to support us
and provide feedback through text messaging with this number:
09175661315 (Joint Task Group Sulu). We cannot be strong everywhere
but together we can project our goals and aspirations in the four
corners of the Sulu province. Inshallah!!
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 17
On January 15, 2014, the 501st Brigade, then headed by Brigadier
General Roger Salvador, moved to Kiangan, Ifugao, a remote
mountainous area in the northern part of Luzon where the native
Igorots dwell. The province was haven to the Japanese Imperial Army
in the mid 1940s during World War II given its vast mountainous
areas which up to this day are hard and tough to negotiate.
Originally, the brigade was situated at Tabuk, Kalinga for 20 years
where a camp was logistically established in five (5) hectares of
land with the following amenities: concrete barracks for officers
and enlisted personnel; Administrative Office building; basketball,
volleyball, badminton and tennis courts; firing range; Physical
Fitness building; brigade-sized mess hall; motor pool; and vehicle
shed. The strategic movement to Kiangan, Ifugao is testament to the
accomplishment of the brigade particularly in providing its fair
share in combating the CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN) thereby reducing a huge
number of insurgents within the region. The brigades numerous
accomplishments paved the way to the realignment of troops from
Kalinga Province to Ifugao Province. Logistical movement of
personnel and equipment was a primary concern in the change of
brigade headquarters. In the estimated six-hour travel to Ifugao,
vehicles had to move tactically in the middle of the night,
negotiating stiff and zigzag roads. Several Log Run schedules were
held until finally, after two (2) months, all impediments were
transported. The new brigade headquarters was way far removed from
the comfort to which the unit has been accustomed. The lot where
the brigade was situated was only less than a hectare, and the lone
permanent structure that was erected became the office for the
triad operations of Admin, Logistics and Headquarters. The
Commanders quarters and Officers Mess Hall were spared a few square
meters of floor area attached to the building. Officers were made
to settle in makeshift rooms made out of round logs and plywood,
each of which was just enough to house two (2) staff officers.
Light and water provisions were unavailable for a time. As the days
passed, the personnel began to get a good grasp and understanding
of what the battalions of the heydays were, that is, absent the
comforts and convenience of modern-day infrastructure and
technology. But imminently, with the clear and able leadership of
Brigadier General Salvador and the perseverance of the officers and
men of the brigade, small but concrete steps were made to establish
the unit. In fact, a month after the movement, with the brigades
meager resources, he was able to effect the construction of a water
system and the installation and reconnection of an electric power
system. In three (3) months, a stone riprap and a building for
repair of facilities were constructed in Kiangan, Ifugao and an
advance command post was built at Mangkayan, Benguet. In mid-June
2014, the brigade started the construction of another Officers
Quarters to complement the existing four (4)-room Officers
Quarters. Beside it, a Dental clinic was erected to cater not only
to organic officers and personnel but also to the populace living
near the vicinity. The building consists of one (1) big room for
the Deputy Commander and two (2) rooms for staff officers.
In August 2014, the brigade received orders to move to Sulu.
Preparations were made for movement and logistics
requirements, including the identification of supplies and
armaments and their mobility to the new area of assignment. Troops
were made to retrain in marksmanship to make them recall and
harness this fundamental skill. After a month long-preparation, the
first half of the troops was hauled on 28 September by a C-130
aircraft from Cauayan Airport in Isabela Province to the Edwin
Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City, with Col Noel Clement as its
newly-installed commander who organized and led the movement. The
troops were initially housed in a military camp in Malagutay,
Zamboanga City and after three (3) days were moved from Zamboanga
City to Jolo, Sulu. In less than a month the main bulk of personnel
and equipment were finally transported to Sulu via Naval
vessel.
It has been nearly a decade ago when I first saw Jolo, Sulu. As
a young lieutenant the fascinating landscape, white sand beaches
and green vegetated islands amazed me no end. The place was far
beautiful than the places I have been before. The culture was also
far more different than those of our previous assignments. A new
commander in the person of Col Alan R Arrojado came in, fit,
seasoned, prepared and a veteran of Sulu. He is a multi awarded
combat officer who was responsible for the reactivation of the 35th
Infantry Battalion in back 2002. Col Arrojado, is a Sulu veteran
who fought the MILF and ASG. His accomplishments are vivid and
resonant, clearly the reason why. I would venture to say he was
chosen for the assignment.
Journey from North to South: An Experience in Logisc
Interop-erability
By Major Elmar C Dalope (CE) PA
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 18
Under his command of COL ARROJADO, our first logistical task was
to help facilitate the movement of personnel under the umbrella of
the newly-created Joint Task Group Sulu. Tanks and Artillery pieces
were moved one by one on board naval assets to Sulu, a logistical
movement far different from our usual movement of transport by
land, command-ing only vehicular assets of the brigade. In Task
Group Sulu we were made to expand our logistics interoperability
and we were given the opportunity to utilize naval vessels and to
use air assets. At the height of the campaign to seize the ASG to
free kidnap victims, the brigade personnel were tasked to transport
troops in the battle ground, provide logisti-cal support to the
operating units and give their fare share in attaining the units
goals. These once-in-a lifetime, experi-ences might be trivial to
some but is a rare privilege to us to serve the country and protect
our people.
A BACKGROUNDER ON THE ABU SAYYAF GROUP (ASG) BY: CPT JOEL A
DINGLE (MI) PA
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is a militant Islamist group based in
and around Sulu and Basilan where for more than four decades Moro
groups have been engaged in an insurgency for an independent
province in the country. The name of the group is derived from the
Arabic, Abu (father of") and Sayyaf ("swordsmith"). Since its
inception in 1991, the group has carried out bombings, kidnappings,
assassinations and extortion in what they describe as their fight
for an independent Islamic province in the Philippines. Abu Sayyaf
seeks the establishment of an Iranian-style Islamic theocracy in
the southern Philippines. Abu Sayyaf forces in Basilan and in
Zamboanga Peninsula were, by June 2003, believed to number less
than 500, down from more than 1,000 a year earlier. They use mostly
improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles. The
group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United
Nations, and by Australia, Canada, the UAE, the United Kingdom and
the United States. In 2002, fighting the ASG became a mission of
the American military's Operation Enduring Freedom and part of the
Global War on Terrorism. The CIA has deployed paramilitary officers
from their elite Special Activities Division to hunt down and kill
or cap-
ture key terrorist leaders. Several hundred United States
soldiers are also stationed in the area to mainly train local
forc-es in counter terror and counter guerrilla operations, but as
a status of forces agreement and under Philippine law are not
allowed to engage in direct combat. Abu Sayyaf is also involved in
criminal activities, including kidnapping, rape, child sexual
assault, drive-by shooting, extortion, and drug trafficking. Most
of the Abu Sayyaf victims have been Filipinos. However,
non-Filipinos have also been taken hostage for large ransom payment
demands. Westerners, especially Americans, have been targeted for
political and racial reasons. In 1993, Abu Sayyaf kidnapped an
American Bible translator in the southern Philippines. In 2000, Abu
Sayyaf captured an American Muslim visiting Jolo and demanded that
the United States release Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and Ramzi
Yousef, who were jailed for their involvement in the World Trade
Center bombing of 1993. A spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf has stated
that, "We have been trying hard to get an American because they may
think we are afraid of them." He added, "We want to fight the
American people." British, Canadian, Australian, French, and German
tourists have been kidnapped as well.
Reference: wikipedia
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 19
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
On 18 December 2014, President Benigno S. Aquino awarded the
Distinguished Conduct Star to 1st Lieutenant Dante Sprite Espiritu,
34, of Pagadian City, Executive Officer of the 1st Scout Ranger
Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, which is now operationally a
part of the Special Operations Task Group of the Joint Task Group
Sulu.
The award was given for Lieutenant Espiritus acts of courage and
gallantry in action during an encounter on 14 November 2014 with
more or less 300 Abu Sayyaf Group bandits led by Radulan Sahiron in
Bud Bunga, Brgy Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu.
Imbued with a deep sense of responsibility, 1st Lieutenant
Espiritu led a 24-man recon element that was tasked to locate the
encampment of the enemy located deep in the forest. Through his
superb tracking skills and high level of combat discipline, he was
able to approach as close as (5) meters from at least 10 armed
enemies. Sensing the need to engage, he directed his men to open
fire, immediately inflicting casualties. Within minutes, more and
more enemies swarmed the position of his platoon, engaging his
troops in a close and bloody battle and pitting his small patrol
against a numerically superior enemy.
Seeing that Private First Class Blanche was critically wounded,
1st Lieutenant Espiritu crawled towards the injured soldier and
carried him towards safer grounds. He further showed composure
amidst the heavy volley of fires and coordination with the TCP for
reinforcement and indirect fires from the units mortar section.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 20
To maintain command and control, 1st Lieutenant Espiritu dashed
from one team to another in order to motivate his leaders to press
the fight and keep the integrity of the unit. As the heavy
firefight dragged longer, he incurred additional casualties from
the high-explosive rounds that exploded around them. Seeing that
his gunner Private First Class Rendon was wounded and immobile, he
assisted the soldier in repositioning to covered position to keep
him safe and secured. While giving orders, he kept on shooting at
suicidal enemies who rose to assault his patrol, downing them one
by one.
Learning that the reinforcing team was heavily engaged a hundred
meters away, 1st Lieutenant Espiritu decided to allow able-bodies
to extricate the two dead soldiers and the six (6) others who were
wounded in the fight. He chose to remain in his position with a
handful of men to provide suppressive fire and allow safe
evacuation of the casualties.
Blasting the enemy with mortar fire and throwing all
hand-grenades that they collected, 1st Lieutenant Espiritu
successfully evacuated the casualties to a better position. While
linking up with the Platoon of 1st Lieutenant Asistores, he
realized that there were three (3) injured soldiers who were
overwhelmed by rampaging Abu Sayyaf fighters 50 meters away.
Unmindful of his personal safety, he organized a team of soldiers
to assault the enemy position and recover the injured soldiers. He
led the attack using small-arms fire and grenades, forcing the
bandits to scamper away with more casualties and allowing his team
to recover the casualties and their firearms.
It was through 1st Lieutenant Espiritus excellent leadership
under extreme pressure that his recon elements were never subdued
by the enemy. Instead, his team dealt an overwhelming blow to the
bandit group which incurred 10 dead, including two (2) sub-leaders
known as Asbang Hairullah and Juli Ekit, and the wounding of 18
others. By this gallantry, 1st Lieutenant Espiritu distinguished
himself in combat in keeping with the finest traditions of Filipino
soldiery.
In 2013, 1st Lieutenant Espiritu was also awarded a Gold Cross
Medal by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during the 78th AFP
Anniversary celebration and a few days before that another Gold
Cross Medal by former Westmincom Commander General Rey Ardo in
Zamboanga City, both for acts of courage and gallantry in action in
Basilan.
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 21
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
INDANAN, SULU 501st Infantry Brigade joins the celebration of
Sulu Week of Peace from 27 to 30 November 2014. The activity as
another milestone and history of the brigade collaborating
stakeholders in the new area of responsibility which is the
province of Jolo. The brigade before, was already been proven and
its sustainment interms of inter-agency collaborations earned a
distinctive honor because of numerous accomplishment in Luzon area
hence, the brigade will continuous to render his support in the new
AOR.
As the main objective which aims to established good rapport
between the line agencies to the community and encourage
partnership with the stakeholders to support the peace initiatives
of the government, establish and enhance active collaboration, and
promote good image of the unit to the community being a responsive
partner in peace and security initiatives in the area.
In consonance with the intent of the higher headquarters to
establish good rapport in the community as well as the
participation in a national and historical event in the area, the
brigade participated the weeklong activity celebration of Sulu Week
of Peace from 27 30 November 2014. The effort was launched to show
support to the peace initiatives of the Provincial Government of
Sulu, which envisions to established a long and sustainable peace
in the area.
As part of weeklong activity, the unit and its OPCON units joint
in the series of activities like; Civic Parade/Fun Walk organized
by the Sulu provincial Women Council (SPWC) in line with the
observance of 18th day campaign to end violence against women in
Sulu conducted on the first day on 27 December 2014 followed by
support to clean-up drive for the second day of 28 December,
participated by the different stakeholders from the different
sectors jointly conducted clean-up drive along the primary streets
and market stalls of Jolo-Sulu Public Market, on the 3rd day of 29
December that was the Peace Forum held at Notre Dame Gym, Jolo,
Sulu. The said activity was launched being part of the culminating
activities for the Sulu Week of Peace celebration in the province
presided by the Hon Gov Abdusakur Tan II and other heads of the
different line agencies and the activity was officially culminated
on the 4th day of 30 December 2014.
501st Brigade Joins Sulu Week of Peace Celebraon
PEACE FORUM AT NOTRE DAME GYM, JOLO, SULU
501STBDE PERSONNEL JOIN CIVIC PARADE/FUN WALK AROUND THE TOWN
PLAZA OF JOLO.
COL ALAN R ARROJADO, COMMANDER, JOINT TASK GROUP SULU (CJTGS)
JOINS IN THE INTER-AGENCIES PEACE FORUM AS PART OF SULU WEEK OF
PEACE CELEBRATION.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 22
501st Brigade spearheads Inter-agency Forum in Sulu
The 501st Infantry Brigade spearheaded an Inter-agencies Forum
in the Province of Sulu on 07 December 2014 at the Sulu Area
Coordinating Center (SACC). This activity is in line with the AFPs
mandate to sustain its Intensified Stakeholders Engagement (ISE),
and continuous collaboration of effort within the new AOR of the
501st Bde under the leadership of the newly installed Brigade
Commander Col Alan R Arrojado INF (GSC) PA. This inter-agencies
activity aims to strengthen coordination between agencies and how
these agencies support each other in synchronizing efforts to
attain a common goal which is serving the people to attain peace
and further push development in the province.
During the forum, each and every line government agency
presented a briefing wherein they discussed their missions and the
capabilities which they can offer in case they are needed by other
agencies as well as the problems they encounter requiring the help
of other agencies. Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan who present
during the forum ensured his support to the different agencies as
far as the welfare of the people of Sulu Province is concerned. As
a commitment of support to peace and development in the province,
the heads of the different agencies led by Vice Governor Abdusakur
Tan affixed their individual signatures at the covenant displayed
at the session hall of the SACC.
In support to President Aquinos security agenda for a
multi-sectoral approach to address peace and security concerns,
theValiant initiates programs and activities in its new AOR thru
the spirit of bayanihan to synchronize efforts in the delivery of
basic services and for sustainable development in collaboration
with the different agencies in the province.
GOV. ABDUSAKUR M TAN, VICE GOV OF SULU DELIVERS HIS OPENING
MESSAGE DURING THE INTER-AGENCIES FORUM
LTC BASILIO P DUMLAO INF (GSC) PA, BDE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE
501ST BDE LED THE PLEDGE OF COVENANT TO SUPPORT PEACE AND DEVT
PROGRAMS OF SULU SUPPORTED BY THE HON GOV TAN OF SULU.
During the Signing of the Peace Covenant.
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national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 23
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay ang institusyon na may
mandantong sugpuin ang kalaban sa larangan ng digmaan. Sa Probinsya
ng Sulu na kilala na lugar na pinagkukutaan ng grupo ng Abu Sayyaf,
ang Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) ay naatasang sugpuin ang nasabing
grupo sa lalong madaling panahon. Isang buwan pa lamang mula nang
umupo si Col Alan R Arrojado bilang Joint Task Group Sulu ay
kabi-kabila na ang naging accomplishment ng kasundaluhan sa
pagbuwag sa nasabing grupo.
Ngunit para kay Col Arrojado, ang military offensive ay hindi
sapat upang matigil ang kasamaan. Aninya, kailangan ding suriin ang
ugat ng
problema ng lipunan. Naniniwala siya na ang kahirapan ng buhay
ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit marami ang nahihikayat na sumapi
sa Abu Sayyaf. Dahil dito, ibinahagi ni Col Arrojado ang kanyang
pagnanais na makatulong sa mga taga Sulu sa pamamagitan ng mga
Proyektong pangkabuhayan.
Ipinakilala ni Colonel Arrojado ang paggawa ng Bamboo furniture
at pagtanim ng saging na lakatan at kawayan sa mga pinuno ng
Probinsya ng Sulu. Una nang iprinisinta ng JTGS Commander kay Cong.
Tupay Loong ang nasabing proyekto at agad naman itong pumasa sa
kinatawan ng probinsya ganun din kay Gov. Abdusakur Tan II. Naglaan
si Congressman Loong ng lugar ng pagbibinhi at pagpaparami sa
Patikul, Sulu. Samantala, nagpahanap naman ng bakanteng lupa ang
Gobernador upang umpisahan ang pagpaparami ng lakatan at kawayan.
Nangako ang mga pinuno na kanilang ipamimigay sa mga kababayan ang
pangangalaga sa mga pananim upang makatulong na maiangat ang antas
ng kanilang pamumuhay. Nabanggit din ng Gober-nador sa isang
pagpupulong na mahal ng JTGS commander ang mga taga Sulu kaya gusto
nitong makatulong sa kanila.
Proyektong Pangkabuhayan Ipinakilala sa
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Camp Bud Datu,Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu-Troops from 501st Bde,
CENRO personnel and students of Naval ROTC Cadets of Notre Dameof
Jolo Collegejoin hand in hand together with one common goal on
Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.
A tree planting activity led by LTC BASILIO P DUMLAO, 501st Bde
Executive Officer, CENRO Officer Kadra D Annil and 39 students of
612th Naval ROTC Cadets,Notre Dame of Jolo College headed by ENS
Halim C Benson Jr (PN) planted 250 assorted non-fruit bearing trees
and 30 assorted fruit-bearing trees along Brgy Tagbak, Indanan,
Sulu. As the activity
started CENRO Officer Kadra Annil demonstrated the proper
planting of seedlings to the participants.This activity is in line
with the celebration of the 79TH AFP Anniversary. It is also a
mandated task of the AFP to protect the environment and to mitigate
the effect of the climate change in support to the Executive Order
Nr 23 otherwise known as the National
Greening Program of the government. Last month, the troops also
rendered assistance to the provinces capital, Jolo by cleaning the
main road shoulders and canal de-clogging along market place. LTC
Dumlao said that this activity is timely because it is rainy season
and the newly planted seedlings will be able to grow at its own.
The students after the tree planting activity had the chance to see
Camp Bud Datu officeswhile CMO Officer MAJ OLIVER C IKID presented
a ten (10) minutes information briefing with regards to the plans
and programs of the AFP as part of peace and development activity
in line with IPSP Bayanihan and also watched the beautiful scenic
view of Jolo, thru Camp Bud Datu View Deck.This activity only shows
that the AFP is also the peoples partner in protecting our
environment.
JTG Sulu Distributes Solar Panels to OPCON Units
Among the issues and concerns of the OPCON units under JTG Sulu
is the source of electricity especially in the field. There are
military detachments and camps in the far flung areas that have
poor sources of power supply. Most of the time, the sending of
reports to higher units is interrupted because of intermittent
power supply. To address the situation, and to boost the morale of
the troops, the JTG Sulu Commander, Col Alan R Arrojado,
represented by Lt Col Basilio P Dumlao, 501st Brigade Executive
Officer, distributed 1 unit Solar Panel each OPCON Units under JTG
Sulu. The 2MBDE received its unit on 09 December 13, 2014, while
the 35IB and 32IB received theirs during their repective Christmas
parties.
PENRO and ROTC Cadets join 501st Brigade Celebrate AFP Day Tree
Planng
AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 24
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 25
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
national pride
JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Before we, the Valiant troopers, first laid our feet in the
grounds of Camp Bud Datu, we stayed at the adjacent Camp Shaw
Martin, a former camp of the American troops which was abandoned a
long time ago. There was no electricity and water system at that
time. Now established in Camp Bud Datu, our Brigade is ready to
provide its services and more:
To give you a glimpse of what the Brigade can offer, check this
out!
VALIANT MUG PRODUCTION
While others produce personalized mugs for fun or profit, we
produce ours primarily to offer something special to those whom we
meet and be partnered with as tokens or souvenirs.
We also print on plates, shirts, tumblers, caps and more. Our
6-in-1 machine produces personalized things quickly and easily.
VALIANT RADIO BROADCAST SYSTEM
Aside from television, radios are said to be one of the most
influential sources of communication. For the test broadcast of the
Valiant Radio Broadcast System, we are encouraging everyone to tune
in to Valiant FM 100 MHz. Soon, we will be launching informative
and entertaining programs for your listening pleasure.
MOBILE SOUND SYSTEM
Who says it is lonely here in Sulu? Try to visit our camp and
enjoy our mobile sound system. A combination of microphones,
amplifiers, mixing consoles, equalizers, compressors, and
loudspeakers add beauty to the cinematic view which you can witness
over a cup of Starbucks coffee in Camp Bud Datu. Pop, jazz,
acoustic, RnB, OPM or rock music. Name it. We have it.
With these equipment, a soldier only shows how to work hard and
play harder!
We are then encouraging everyone to visit our headquarters
located in Camp Bud Datu, Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu and experience
a life that you do not normally experience in a military Camp.
Kaya, tara na! Punta na! Mag-Camp Bud Datu na!
WELCOME TO CAMP BUD DATU, THE HOME OF THE VALIANT TROOPERS!
By 2LT CHARMAINE B LEONERO (FS) PA
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 26
TASK GROUP 4, JTG SULU by Major Germelo A Calma (QMS) PA
The Joint Task Group 4 of the Joint Task Group Sulu established
its office on 01 October 2014 under the leadership of COL ALAN R
ARROJADO (INF) GSC PA.
The mission of this office is to provide logistical support to
all subordinate units in the hauling of personnel during the
conduct of Law Enforcement Operations (LEO) against lawless
elements and in the rescue of kidnap victims by the Abu Sayyaf
Group headed by Raddulan Sahiron in the Municipalities of Patikul,
Talipao, and Indanan in Sulu Province, as well as in stakeholder
engagements in the province.
The function of this office is to provide direction to all
subordinate units, to include the 501st Bde, 32IB, 35IB, SRBn,
SFCo, 14LACT and JSOG, in the utilization of assets before and
after LEO. It has supported the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) during
its twenty (20) Law Enforcement Operations covering the period 17
October to 23 December 2014 and in the rescue of kidnap
victims.
It also facilitated the issuance of Petroleum Oil Lubricants
(POL) to the JTGS, totalling one thousand (1,000) liters of Auto
Diesel Fuel (ADF) and two hundred fifty (250) liters of Extra
Combustible System (XCS) for the 4th Quarter 2014 in support to the
operating troops in the conduct of Law Enforcement Operations in
the Island Province of Sulu.
Although this Office has not been issued vehicles and other
logistical supplies and equipment, it has contributed hugely in the
accomplishment of the JTGS mission under Joint Task Force
ZAMBASULTA, Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the
Philippines.
Being prepared for the future does not guarantee total success.
Trials require deliberate understanding to overcome them. Even an
expert or anyone who excels in something can do things that lead to
their own downfall.
This is because everything happens for a purpose. These are in
accordance to the plans of the Almighty.
Thus, trying to do everything without accomplishing even
something is a total waste of time. We should always accomplish
things with passion and dedication, and even if we cannot
accomplish everything in an organization, we can contribute
something for the common good.
A soldier who wears his camouflage should understand his job.
Likewise, an officer will have to pass through various trials and
tests to become just like gold after it is tested through fire.
A soldier who serves the people and secures the land can help
others start a new beginning in peace, progress and prosperity.
Hopefully, he can help do so in Sulu Province. Peace and
development are inseparable, but with little steps and hand in hand
with the people of Sulu, the soldier will proudly wear his
camouflage which symbolizes extreme sacrifice to bring peace in the
land.
Mabuhay ka, Sulu Province! Mabuhay ka, AFP! Mabuhay ka, Joint
Task Group Sulu!
A SOLDIERS EXTREME SACRIFICE by Cpt Albert S Ramirez (MI) PA
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 27
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Why is there a dental officer assigned in Sulu? This is a common
question raised by some officers not only in the Technical
Administrative Service but also from the major branches of service
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I was assigned to the 501st
Infantry (Valiant) Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
as the dental officer of the unit last October 16, 2013 when it was
still based in Calanan, Tabuk, Kalinga where the Brigade Dental
Operating Team actively engaged the stakeholders and vigorously
participated in the different medical and dental missions and other
health services in the area. We have also been actively visiting
the soldiers in the field up to the company level to ensure that
they can also avail of free dental services to which they
are entitled. We did not stop serving even after the brigade
transferred headquarters to Baguinge, Kiangan, Ifugao. We joined
the health programs of the local government of Ifugao and actively
involved ourselves in the medical and dental missions even in the
farthest localities in the area. There was a time when we were
almost ambushed in Abra but it did not hinder the dental operating
team from serving the people.
When the Brigade Headquarters was ordered in October 2014 for
deployment to Sulu. Without any
hesitation and despite the known risks, I volunteered to be
redeployed together with the organic personnel of the 501st
Brigade.
Only three months in Sulu, the Brigade Dental Operating Team had
already established a good
rapport with the local government units and the Sulu populace.
It has already participated in a medical mission at Brgy Adjid,
Indanan, Sulu with 38 beneficiaries. By the Lords grace and with
the guidance of our Brigade Commander, Col Alan R Arrojado, the
Brigade Dental Operating Team is looking forward to extending more
dental services to the troops and to the people of Sulu.
Despite the risks that the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists pose in
the area, our Team has pledged to
put the people first before us. No matter where the brigade
headquarters will be relocated in the future, the 501st Brigade
Dental Operating Team will always be ready to serve.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriot-28
Change of Command at 2nd Marine Brigade, 02 October 2014
CJTGS attendance at conference of JTF ZAMBASULTA, at
Headquarters, Naval Forces, WESTMINCOM
CJTGS attendance at Organizational Dialogue with Stakeholders,
09 October 2014.
COL ARROJADOs talk with men at Headquarters. 2nd Marine
Brigade
Cultural Sensitivity Program Arrival honors for LTGEN GREGORIO
PIO P. CATAPANG AFP, CSAFP, 12 October 2014.
Ceremonial Turn-Over of Food Stuff donated by GEN GREGORIO PIO P
CATAPANG AFP, CSAFP
Courtesy Call on Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M Tan
Courtesy Call on Sulu Governor Abdusakur Totoh A Tan II
Attendance to Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting, 13
October 2014
Conduct of Cultural Sensitivity at 35IB, 14 October 2014
Visit to Provincial Director, PSSUPT ABRAHAM B ORBITA (DSC)
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 29
Courtesy Call of 1st Scout Ranger Battalion Courtesy Call of
CJTGS on Jolo Mayor Atty Hussin Iting Amin
Dialogue with Manager of Development Bank of the Philippines,
Jolo Branch
Dialogue with Manager of Landbank of the Philip-pines, Jolo
Branch
An afternoon with members the Center for Hu-manitarian...
Dialogue with members of the Center for Hu-manitarian...
Courtesy Call on MSU Campus Director Courtesy Call at MSU Campus
Briefing with Foreign Counterparts
CJTGS welcoming Vice Governor Tan during the Inter-agencies
Forum
Briefing at Ward Room, Headquarters, 2nd Marine Brigade
CJTGS with the attendees to Inter-agencies Forum
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 30
Visit of OWWA ARMM members
CJTGS giftgiving to stakeholders
Visit of Ms Veronica De Guzman, Project Director, PWRCC
Talk with RD Noel Armilla,OIC PNP ARMM and PD Ibrahim Orbita,
Sulu PNP
Attendance to 2nd Special Regional Peace and Development Council
Meeting
Interview of ABS-CBN reporter Nickee Butlangan
Arrival honors for Commander, WESTMINCOM on 10 December 2014
CJTGS gives his message at 5o1st Brigades Christmas Party
Christmas Mass officiated by Father Ed Villanueva
Closing Ceremony of Observe Fire Procedure, CJTGS serves as the
Keynote Speaker
During the Information Briefing of CJTGS at Provincial Capitol,
Jolo, Sulu
Visit of MGEN GAMALIEL S CRUZ AFP, Commander, ARESCOM
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 31
Visit of Mayor Leizel A Halun, Kalingalan Caluang,
Visit of CDR ERLYN REYES, CO, PG-383 Visit of MILF Deputy Front
Commander on 17 December 2014
Visit of OPAPP and MNLF Representatives
BOC meeting with Customs Commissioner John P Sevilla
Youth caroling at Valiant Brigade on 18 December 2014
COL ARROJADO endorsing Valiant mugs to stakeholders
Visit of LTC RONIE VILLANUEVA, CO, 1MIB, 1ID, PA
With kidnap victim Michelle Panes on 24 Decem-ber 2014
Visit of RADM REYNALDO L YOMA AFP, Commander, JTF-ZAMBASULTA on
22 December
2014
Bagging of bamboo seedlings
Visit of BGEN EDUARDO B DAVALAN AFP, Commander, FSRR, SOCOM,
PA
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 32
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
SERGEANT MAJORS QUARTERLY REPORT
By: MSg Robert B Wanawan (Inf) PA This report covers various
administrative activities pertaining to Discipline, Morale and
Welfare, and Training of Enlisted Personnel (EP) undertaken by the
Sergeant Major (SM) as Personal Staff of the Brigade Commander from
01 October to 18 December 2014. It tackles how challenges were
acted upon; how informal trainings were conducted to continuously
keep EPs abreast; how Discipline, Law and Order (DLO) policies were
implemented and enforced; and how Morale and Welfare issues were
addressed. During the given period, minor issues and challenges
were encountered and were properly probed and appropriately acted
upon thereby sustaining the smooth relationships among troops and
eventually contributing to the units mission accomplishment. On
Challenges Encountered and Action Taken The claim for mess cut by
some personnel for the month of September after the withdrawal of
the Subsistence Allowance for the month of October was discussed
with the Bde Ex-O who had to decide who between Maj Tiblan and Cpt
Audencial should be lodged with such responsibility. After again
receiving a mess cut claim for 01-13 October, the Bde Ex-O
eventually gave Cpt Audencial the authority to settle claims
starting 07 December 2014. At present, some EPs have yet to receive
their mess cuts, but it was acknowledged that the matter has to be
resolved the soonest possible time. On another matter, the SM
convened a meeting with the Senior NCOs on 14 October 2014 to
discuss an alleged mismanage ement of the Subsistence Allowance
(SA). After identifying the loophole, the SM voluntarily acted as
temporary caretaker of the EPs SA. The solution was adopted and has
since been implemented after being been found effective. On
Training Since the unit started focusing on Law Enforcement
Operations in the last quarter of the year, the SM conducted
informal trainings through TI & E, group or individual
mentoring, and spot corrections and reminders. Hence, troops were
kept abreast of the units needs and policies and SOPs. On
Discipline, Law and Order (DLO) With regard to DLO Violation and
Imposition of Sanctions, an Investigation Report on the complaint
against Sgt Joel Mamaspas for alleged Grave Threat and Gun Toting
has been forwarded to OG1, 5ID, PA. The SM did not contest the
findings after having found the complaint in order. This actuation
gives out the strong message that the units leadership will not
hesitate in enforcing law and order. Personnel who have become
uncooperative and irresponsible were given greater responsibilities
than usual in order to instill discipline, thereby warning the
troops that there is a very high price to pay for arrogance, pride
and incompetence. That way, even if concerned personnel may not
change instantly or as expected, they may later learn to cooperate.
Should they fail to change for the better, the SM may advise them
to think of other options that could make them more productive.
The SM reminds that the DLO should not always be viewed in a
negative light. In fact, in many instances during the quarter under
review when the units mission and activities required more manpower
than what the unit could offer, thereby necessitating EPs to work
overtime under pressure, instead of reacting negatively, EPs calmly
approached their SM for clarification of issues and of their
personal circumstances and welfare of EPs by attending to their
legitimate individual as well as collective concerns.
On Morale and Welfare Foremost consideration in the morale and
welfare of personnel is the efficient handling of their pay and
allowances. Hence, resolution of issues and concerns pertaining to
SA were immediately addressed, including the clearing of any notion
that the SM may be involved in financial irregularities. Secondly,
praising individual or team contribution or effort manifests the
importance given to each personnel in the accomplishment of the
units mission. Thus, Awards and Decorations are promptly endorsed
and requested. Issues and Concerns Optional retirement as a matter
of personal decision by and privilege of the retiring soldier shall
not be misconstrued as a failure of leadership or by any other
negative connotation. In fact, some personnel had already signified
their intention to retire long before the Brigade was transferred
from Luzon to its present base at Indanan, Sulu. Recommendations
Signing of unit clearance of retirees should be promptly attended
to. Also, officers should continue to boost the morale and welfare
of EPs by attending to their legitimate individual as well as
collective concerns.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 33
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
Disagreement is normal, only when both ends of the parties meet.
Like in a contract of sale, there is an offer to buy by the buyer
and an offer to sell by the seller. Counter offer on both sides is
normal as their end states are different. But I presume we all
agree that once their offers and counter offers meet, the sale is
perfected; hence, there is meeting of the minds or their ends meet.
Similarly, when two groups want peace among their groups, the peace
maker offers some peace measures and the other group also may offer
some other proposals. Counter and counter-counter proposals may
occur during the negotiation. Usually, they should both settle down
peacefully; because war is not sanctioned by law which purpose is
to set standard to regulate the relation of men. This could also be
gleaned from the 10 Commandments of the Catholic belief enshrined
elsewhere in the Bible.
The Bible, under Christian belief, is considered as the word of
God. In like manner, the Quran, as written by Azizan Abdul Rasak in
his book Introduction to Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, contains a
direct revelation from God. Every word of the Quran is regarded as
being the direct utterance of the Almighty. The similarity,
therefore, is the belief that the Bible and the Quran are the words
of God or the direct revelation from God which actually mean the
same. Under this precept, Christians and Muslims, being believers
of the same commandment emanating from God, should only pursue what
is good or morally beautiful known as Husn and avoid what is
Qush/Qubh or morally ugly in life. This is the path to be pursued
or the Shariah which is the name given to the totality of Gods
commandments. Or simply a commandment from God, basically enshrined
in the Bible and the Quran.
Despite all these, oppositions, disagreements, and
misunderstandings continue to exist that result in chaos or a
disturbance to peace. This may be because of the absolute truth of
goodness and badness; or Husn and Qush/Qubh can only be discovered
from Divine revelation, which in todays New Testament generation
seems impossible. Hence, a law is necessary to regulate the
relations of men in their daily lives. The general law of the land
is the Constitution. In line with law enforcement operations, the
1987 Philippine Constitution provides in Section 3, Article II,
that The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of
the people and the State. Hence, committing any violation against
human rights, for instance, is the acme of ignorance of the AFPs
mandate. Every soldier and officer in the Army is presumed to know
their constitutional mandate. This is so because the military is
trained and educated both on the rudiments of combat and their
basic rights as well as the rights of others whom they swore to
protect.
Why, then, are there charges of Human Rights violations lodged
in court against the military? Are they, therefore, ignorant of
their basic mandate? Let me lay a laymans perspective on this
matter for everyone to ponder. To begin with, the Philippine
government has its peace initiative or peace agenda that may be
announced by the President in any manner. It may be announced
during his speech after assumption of office or when addressing the
Congress in its opening session; or write it down as among the
priority agenda of his administration. The Department of National
Defense, through the Secretary, will craft its peace measures to
implement the Presidents agenda via a Campaign Plan. In turn, the
AFP through the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (CSAFP) will craft its campaign plan to be downloaded
to all the Major Service Commanders for their implementation. The
Major Service Commanders will do the same process up to the
Division, Brigade, Battalion and Company Commanders, with all the
elements in the squads are aware of such plan through what the Army
calls as Operation Plan/Order or OPLAN/OPORD. Let us, for instance,
that while implementing OPORD an encounter happened that resulted,
say, in the killing of a lawless element. The question is, is the
encounter legitimate? the answer is a big YES; because there was a
legal order emanating from a commander, in fact by no less than the
President as the Commander-In-chief of the AFP. But why do cases of
human rights violations filed in courts? Are there really Human
Rights violations perpetrated by the Army?
It could happen that the case may have been filed by persons or
group of persons with ill motives. Is this not a violation of the
commandments of God for bearing false witness against the AFP? Is
it not a violation of the Quran for being morally ugly or
qush/qubh? Under the Rules of Court, one should come to court to
court with clean hands. So, this is also legally foul and
unfair.
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AFP Core Values: Honor, Service, Patriotism 34
AFP Vision 2028: A world - class armed forces , source of
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JTG SULU Journal October -December 2014
The JOINT INTELLIGENCE TASK UNIT was activated on 15 September
2014 the same day that the Joint Task Group Sulu was activated. Its
primary role is to orchestrate all military intelligence units
efforts within the Province of Sulu including that of other
government intelligence agencies. The unit was tasked to provide
accurate and timely intelligence to support the mission of the
JTGS.
The JITUs activation strengthened collaborative endeavors among
intelligence units and provided opportunity in bridging
intelligence gaps in the targeting of threat groups in the area,
particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), lawless elements and other
auxiliary threat groups which are of special concern. The Chairman
of the JITU provides direction and control over its members in
intelligence collection efforts which are vital to the law
enforcement operations (LEOs) of the JTGS.
JITU conducted regular intelligence fusion and periodic status
report worksho