Sep 28, 2010

Education Revolution in Sarangani Province

Alabel Central Elementary School, Alabel, Sarangani Province: Sarangani Province Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and 73IB Commander LTC Edgardo Yao De Leon aboard the Simba Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle during the "Education Revolution" launched by the Provincial Government of Sarangani last September 27, 2010 with the battlecry "Karunungan Kontra kahirapan (KKK)". 37,000 workbooks were distributed to Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils from the seven municipalities of Sarangani Province after the launching. 

Army warriors for "Education Revolution" stand ready to distribute the 27,000 workbooks as the primary weapon in the war against illiteracy.

 Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez, the "Commander-in-Chief" of Sarangani Province's "Education Revolution" gives orders to the education warriors.
The KKK revolutionists prepare for "battle".
A view of the armaments in our fight against illiteracy.
Together, we will surely win this fight!
The Philippine Army, in partnership with the the local governments and the entire society, commits its human and material resources in the fight against illiteracy. Your Army shall remain to be an active agent in nation building.

Sep 10, 2010

Medical Mission at Malungon Municipal Hospital thru the Provincial Health Office and Maharlika Charity Foundation Mission
Malungon, Sarangani Province - 73IB Troops brought the people from different municipalities in the Province to Malungon Municipal Hospital for Medical Mission
Alabel, Sarangani Province - Neutralizers bring the Colors during the 2010 Kasadyaan Festival of Alabel 
73IB Celebrates with Alabel for the Kasadyaan Festival

Five NPA Rebels Presented to Congressman Pacquiao



Alabel, Sarangani Province – Five New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees were received by Sarangani Province Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on September 9, 2010. The surrenderees were identified as Mamerto Booc Bartulaba, 50 years old; Felbert U Ontic, 28 years old; Bernard B Matugol 41 years old; Pidring M Mapuno, 38 years old and Benson S Labilon, 30 years old, all from Sarangani Province. They turned themselves in to the Army Troopers of Bravo Company, 73IB doing community outreach in the municipality of Glan in the morning of September 8. They also turned in their firearms which include: one (1) Garrand rifle, one (1) Cal M1 Carbine, one (1) Springfield, one (1) hand grenade and two (2)CAL .38 Pistol. 

Relatedly, on August 16, 2010, soldiers from Alpha Company, 73IB rescued a 15-year old minor enjoined by the New People’s Army (NPA) to be a child warrior. He was met by the soldiers while trekking the hills of Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province, under orders from his NPA leader to bring-in supplies. Found in his possession was a sack containing ammunitions for a Carbine Rifle and a Cal .45 Pistol. He also yielded 20 pieces of maong Pants, one jacket, one hammock (duyan) and two pocket belts. He revealed that said items will be delivered to members of the NPA holed out in the hinterlands of Alabel, Sarangani bounding Malita, Davao del Sur due to relentless military operations. He admitted being involved in two encounters with 73IB in Jul 2009, and in Feb 2010. According to him, during the February incident, two of his colleagues later died of gunshot wounds.

The five surrenderees are members of the Platoon Mazda, Guerilla Front 71 roaming in the hinterlands of Glan, Malapatan and Alabel all of Sarangani Province. They have been inactive for the past years due to the hardships of constantly fleeing from government troops. According to them, they have felt isolation from the community when soldiers started immersing in the different barangays that have raised the awareness of the villages on the evils of the communists. They themselves realized the futility of rebellion as the government of Sarangani and Glan have been actively reaching out to deliver services.

The rescued minor was accompanied by 73IB Troopers to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Alabel for care and counseling. He was subsequently turned over to his parents subject to conditions that would prevent the minor from going back to his old ways. His parents were not aware that their son has been doing errands for the NPAs.

Under the International Law of Armed Conflict, which the NPAs claim to observe, the use of minors as combatants is prohibited as it exposes these innocent children to the dangers of conflict. Our constitution also protects the rights of these children and gives priority on their education. Unfortunately, the NPA has been taking advantage of laws favoring the youth to evade liability, particularly the Child and Youth Welfare Code of the Philippines that exempts the youth from criminal prosecution.

Congressman Pacquiao, in his statement, reiterated his invitation for all other rebels and armed groups to lay down their arms and join the mainstream as he offered them livelihood assistance. He condemned the NPA for destroying the future of the youths who were enticed to join the rebel organization.

73IB Commander, LTC De Leon, for his part said that Army Troopers will continue to stay with the people in the remote barangays to educate and provide assistance as conduits of the local government in bringing humanitarian assistance.

PSSupt. Florendo Quidilla, Provincial Director of Sarangani said, “This influx of surrenderees in Sarangani Province indicates that the province is really getting rid of insurgents. Those responsible for recruiting minors shall be held liable for child abuse.”


For his part, 1002Bde Deputy Commander, Col Daniel Soriano reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be the partner for promoting peace and development.

Sep 5, 2010

73IB Open House on National Heroes' Day

MAASIM, SARANGANI PROVINCE – In celebration of the National Heroes’ Day last 30 August 2010, 73IB opened its doors to students, teachers and other local officials in Barangays Kamanga and Tinoto all of Maasim, Sarangani Province. For this year, the Army adapted the theme: “Pagpupugay ng Sundalo sa makabagong Bayaning Pilipino “which hopes to highlight the heroism of our soldiers.

The activity began with a Flag Ceremony where two military officers were given their combat awards which they got at the height of the conflict in Maasim last August 2008. LTC Nedy Espulgar, the Battalion Executive Officer, in his speech which was done in Visayan, reiterated the commitment of our soldiers to serve the Filipino people at the same time, he implored the continued support of the civilian sector. He said that it was to be the deciding factor that would determine the success of all the peace building efforts being conducted by the unit in the area.

Shortly after the ceremony, a demonstration was presented by selected soldiers on the conduct of combat operations. It presented the capability of our troops to neutralize the enemies of the state and the readiness to do such measure when required. The Armored Vehicles then gave the guests a joy ride around the camp which was enjoyed by everybody especially the little children. Film presentations were then presented at the Battalion Multi-Purpose Hall while they enjoyed the little snack preparations that were done by the unit.

The Battalion Commander, LTC Edgardo Y de Leon, in his speech during the simple program at Multi-purpose hall gave credit to the heroism of the late PFC Ariel Bayawanon who was the first combat casualty of the unit during combat operations against the Lawless MILF Group (LMG) that attacked Maasim Municipal Hall last 18 August 2010. In his extraordinary display of courage, he dedicated his last breath to the Filipino people when he summoned his remaining strength and open fired at the enemy fortification. This daring act provided the diversion that allowed his other comrades who were already pinned down by enemy fire to get out of the killing zone. By his gallantry, the operating troops were able to regroup and launch another attack that eventually captured Camp Khalid Bin Walid. His heroism is presently being considered for the Medal of Valor, the highest Military Award for Heroism. The Administration Hall of the 73IB is named after this soldier-hero.

The National Heroes’ Day is a national holiday celebrated in honor of the Heroes of the Filipino people. It is celebrated on the 31st of August every year.