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
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.
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.
The 73rd IB in partnership with the PLGU, MLGU, BLGU, Hearts and Brains Inc, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council conducted Medical and Dental outreach at Brgy Tuanadatu in Maitum, SP.
MAASIM, Sarangani (July 17, 2010) – At the 22nd Founding Anniversary celebration of Philippine Army’s 73rd “Neutralizer” Infantry Battalion Friday (July 16), peace partners and local officials disclosed deep appreciation of the soldiers’ effort to relive peace in the communities.
“This is the first time I attended a celebration where there’s so much pride,” Governor Migs Dominguez said. “You have successfully embodied what we want in each and every soldier, by coming with solutions to conflicts in our communities which clearly shows that we care. This is the kind of patriotism that will carry our country to excellence,” the governor added.
TROOPING THE LINE :: MAASIM, Sarangani (July 17, 2010) – Governor Migs Dominguez joins Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, battalion commander of the 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion, in trooping the line at the opening ceremony of the battalion’s 22nd founding anniversary celebration Friday, July 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
The battalion under its commander, Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, opened the celebration with a pass-in-review in the morning to honor guests.
“I am always proud of this unit being exemplars of discipline and patriotism,” guest of honor and speaker Major General Carlos Holganza said. According to Holganza, the 73rd IB is the only battalion facing two fronts - the New Peoples’ Army and the secessionists fronts - under their area of operational responsibility “but were able to maintain their position with flexibility and balance”.
“We are changing the image of the soldier. We are having a paradigm shift and expanding our role as soldiers. In our context, soldiers are to be respected and not to be feared,” Holganza said.
“We are trained to fight and trained to care. It is always important to think about other people.” According to Holganza, the way to peace is to work together, to work hard, the need to educate the youth, and to believe in God.
MEMENTO: MAASIM, Sarangani (July 17, 2010) – Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, battalion commander of the 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion, presents K’filan, a sacred sword and a symbol of power for the Tboli tribe, as a memento for guest of honor and speaker Major General Carlos Holganza of the 10th Infantry Division as the battalion celebrates its 22nd founding anniversary Friday, July 16. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Maitum town passed a municipal resolution in January “in grateful appreciation to the peace building effort” given by the battalion to their community especially when Moro rebel atrocities broke out in town and its neighboring Kiamba and Maasim municipalities in 2008. Thousands of families began to return to their homes after the 73rd IB arrived who immediately conducted clearing operations in the mountains where the suspects fled.
“We started our partnership in 2008,” Dr. Roel Cagape of the Hearts and Brains Foundation said. “They are good models to the children. These uniformed men enjoy dancing with them in our medical missions. I actually heard one of the children in one of our medical missions that he wanted to be a soldier.”
Members of the battalion received the Bronze Cross medal. Troops from the Neutralizer were assigned to Maguindanao who went after the criminals responsible for the Maguindanao massacre killing 57 civilians and media men in November last year.
Other awards were also given to peace partners such as Kalinaw Sarangani Unit, Kapayapaan Kapatid Council, Hearts and Brains Foundation, ABS-CBN SOCSKSARGEN, and Conal Holdings Corporation. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
Peace advocates and community educators of Kalinaw Unit dropped by the Home of the Neutralizers at Sitio Tampuan, Brgy Kamanga, Maasim Sarangani on their way back to the Provincial Capitol on June 20, 2010. The team, led by its Program Manager Mrs. Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, earlier in the day joined 73IB troopers in hosting the Fathers' Day Program in Brgy Seven Hills, Maasim, Sarangani. Regarded as the mentors of 73IB, having trained the Neutralizers on "Culture of Peace" advocacy, the Kalinaw Unit "peacemakers" were toured by 73IB "peacekeepers" around the army camp. Aside from photo ops with armored tanks and artillery guns, the guests were briefly oriented on gun handling and safety and given the chance to "test fire" a M4 Carbine rifle.
As part of our program of assisting LGU in the delivery of social services, the 73rd Infantry Battalion, in partnership with Kalinaw Unit of Sarangani Province and the Municipal LGUs, simultaneously held feeding program in five remote barangays in Sarangani, namely: Brgy Seven Hills, Maasim; Brgy Datu Dani, Kiamba; Brgy Tuanadatu, Maitum; Brgy Paraiso, Alabel; and Brgy Kalpidong, Glan. The simultaneous event held lunch time last June 20 is 73rd IB's way of celebrating Fathers' Day.
Brgy Datu Dani, Kiamba
Around 200 persons per barangay or an estimated total of 1000 kids and adults from the five barangays benefited from the feeding which was in the form of military's "boodlefight". "Aside from nutritional gains, the outreach was aimed at restoring unity amongst the people in the communities who were polarized by the recently concluded local elections", said 73IB Commander LtCol Edgardo Yao De Leon.
Children and adults alike joined the fun games hosted by peace workers of Kalinaw Unit from the Office of the Provincial Governor.
Skilled personnel of 73rd Infantry Battalion designed and spearheaded the construction of two (2) makeshift classrooms for incoming 2nd year high school students of Mangelen Integrated School at Sitio Mangelen, Brgy Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province. Assisting the troopers are the members of Kamanga Brgy Defense Force (BDF), parents, teachers, and students.
Personnel of the battalion contributed for the purchase of 700 pcs lebe roofing material. While the parents contributed 3 pcs of hollow blocks each and gemelina round logs from their backyards that were hauled using military trucks of the battalion. The classrooms were being rushed to beat the June 15 opening of classes.
In commemoration of the 112th Philippine Independence Day, a motorcade was held in Maasim, Sarangani Province on June 12, 2010 that was participated in by volunteers, mostly tricycle drivers, BDF members, Maasim PNP and troopers of 73rd Infantry Battalion led by the Battalion Commander, LTC Edgardo Yao De Leon.
A PNP patrol car from Maasim PNP, two Army troop carrier trucks from 73rd IB, and two SIMBA Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles from the 2nd Light Armor Battalion joined a number of tricycles during the motorcade along the streets of Poblacion, Maasim towards barangays Kabatiol and Kablacan on the west and Barangay Malbang on the east. This year's theme is "Kalayaan: Tagumpay ng Bayan". The motorcade raised the level of awareness of the people on the importance of June 12. It reminded them on the sacrifices and heroism of our forefathers in their quest for our freedom and national identity.
On June 11, 2010, 73rd Infantry Neutralizer Battalion troopers led by the Battalion Commander joined officials and employees of Sarangani Province during the Flag Ceremony commemorating the 112th Philippine Independence Anniversary. In his message. LTC De Leon assured the people of Sarangani that the Philippine Army shall continue to be of service for peace and development, living up with the aspirations of its forefather - the Ejercito en la Republica de las Islas Filipinas, which was founded by the Katipuneros.(Photos by Cocoy Sexcion: http://www.sarangani.gov.ph/2872-112th_Independence_day.html)
Message of LTC Edgardo Yao De Leon
during the
Independence Day Flag Ceremony at Sarangani Province
Provincial Capitol, Alabel, Sarangani Province
11 June 2010
Honorable Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, represented by the Provincial Administrator Camacho; DILG Provincial Director Jun Limpin; mga kasama sa lingkod bayan, Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
“Kalayaan: Tagumpay ng Bayan”. Ito ang tema ng ika-isandaan at labindalawang taong pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan. Kahit mahigit labing isang dekada na po ang lumipas, nasa kaalaman pa rin ng bawat Pilipino ngayon, bata man o matanda, ang kahalagahan tuwing sumasapit ang June 12. Ito ay dahil sa taon-taon nating paggunita sa Araw ng Kalayaan. Marahil may iba sa atin ang nagtatanong, bakit ba kailangan pa natin tumayo dito, mabilad sa araw, o maulanan, hindi naman araw ng lunes na syang schedule ng Flag Ceremony? Naitanong din kaya natin, na kung hindi natin binibigyang halaga ang araw na ito, sa paglipas ng ilang henerasyon, mananatili kaya sa isipan ng bawat Pilipino ang sakripisyo at kabayanihan ng mga ninuno natin para makamit ang kalayaan?
Ngunit ang tunay na katanungan sa araw na ito, ay kung ano ba talaga ang ating kaalaman tungkol sa ating Kalayaan? Ngayon ang tamang pagkakataon para ating gunitain ang mga mahahalagang kaganapan tungo sa paglaya ng ating bayan sa kamay ng mga dayuhan.
Taong 1896 ng mag umpisa ang rebolusyon ng mga Pilipino laban sa halos apat na daang taong pananakop ng bansang Espanya. Dahil sa mga rebolusyonaryong panunulat ng ating pambansang bayani na si Dr Jose Rizal, binuo ni Andres Bonifacio ang Katipunan upang lumaban sa mga Kastila.
Naging matagumpay ang pag aalsa ng bayan laban sa mga Kastila. Nagkaroon ng armas ang mga Katipunero na syang naging simula ng hukbo ng Pilipino. Kaya noong Marso 22, 1897, itinatag ang rebolusyonaryong pamahalaan ng Pilipinas, kasabay ang pagtatatag ng Philippine Army na nakilala bilang “Ejercito en la Republica de las Islas Filipinas” (Army of the Republic of Philippine Islands).
Sa pangunguna ng walong probinsya sa Luzon, nagtuloy-tuloy at nagging matagumbay ang laban ng mga Pilipino laban sa mga Kastila sa Luzon, Visayas, at dito sa Mindanao. Kaya nung June 12, 1898, idineklara ni General Emilio Aguinaldo sa Kawit, Cavite ang ating Kalayaan sa kamay ng mga Kastila.
Doon unang itinaas ang ating bandila na ginawa sa Hong Kong ng tatlong Pilipina (Marcela Agoncillo; Lorenza Agoncillo; Delfina Herboza) at inawit ang “Lupang Hinirang” na isinulat ni Julian Felipe. Ating tanawin an gating bandila. Laman nito ang makulay na kasaysayan ng ating Kalayaan. Ang puting trayangulo ang simbulo ng Katipunan na syang nagging Philippine Army na lumaban sa mga Kastila. Ang tatlong bituin o star ay simbolo ng Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao na sama samang nag aklas, at ang walong sinag ng araw ay patungkol sa walong probinsyang nanguna sa pakikipaglaban.
Ang ating bandila ay tunay na simbolo ng Tagumpay ng Bayan. Kaya marapat lamang na sa ating paggunita ngayong taon an gating Tema, Kalayaan: Tagumpay ng Bayan. Ipagpatuloy natin ang adhikain ng ating mga pinuno sa kanilang pakikipaglaban para makamit ang kalayaan at tagumpay ng ating bayan. Tayo ay magtulong tulong tungo sa pagkakaisa at pag unlad. Ipagpapatuloy ng Philippine Army ang pagiging hukbo ng sampayanang Pilipino na nakikipaglaban para sa katahimikan at kaunlaran.
Upang tayo ay magtagumpay, kailangan natin ng pagkakaisa. Pagkakaisa na naging susi n gating mga ninuno para makamit ang ating paglaya. Pagkakaisa rin ang magiging daan sa katahimikan at kaunlaran ng ating bayan.
Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!
28 wheelchairs suddenly changed the lives of 28 persons and brought joy to 28 families in Maitum, Sarangani Province during this year's celebration of Binuyugan Festival. Through the initiatives of the local government of Maitum. Operations Blessings Foundation of the Philippines donated 27 wheelchairs. The 73rd Infantry Battalion, on the other hand, donated one wheelchair which was sourced from the United States Army.
Last May 27, 2010, Alfa Coy, 73IB, along with the 1002nd Brigade Medical Team; physicians from Hearts and Brains Incorporated; dentists from General Santos Dental Society; volunteers from Marian Movement of Priest, and the Ugalde Family of Brgy Tuyan, Malapatan held a medical-dental mission that benefited 250 indigents of Brgy Tuyan, Malapatan Sarangani Province. Services rendered include tooth extraction, medical checkup, circumcision, plus feeding for the children. Personnel of the 73rd Infantry Battalion also hosted fun games and provided prizes for the children of the brgy.
Dentists from the General Santos Dental Society have been among the active partners of 73rd IB and 1002Bde in providing free dental services to the people of Sarangani. 75 patients from Brgy Tuyan benefited in this particular event.
Military dentists were also part of the dental team. While army medics perform circumcision to 50 boys taking advantage of the summer vacation.
Neutralizers play hosts to kids during the fun games.
Medical consultation patients queue for free medicines provided by Hearts and Brains Incorporated, an NGO comprise of doctors and dentist headed by Dr Ruel Cagape, MD. These include medicines for common illnesses, as well as vitamins for mothers and children. Kids, on the other hand line up for food. Around 130 benefited from medical consultations.
ABS-CBN SOCKSARGEN news anchor, reporters, and crew visited the grounds of 73rd Infantry NEUTRALIZER Battalion at Sitio Tampuan, Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province on May 22, 2010 and attended a one-day event that oriented them on the different firearms in the inventory of an Army infantry battalion.
Aside from the visual orientation of static displays, they were also given the chance to fire some of the infantry weapons after a brief lecture on gun handling and safety.
Guns fired include the popular Cal .45 pistol; M16 rifle, and the latest addition to Philippine Army weaponry - the K3 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) light machine gun.
One of the highlights of the event was the team relay competition. The crew were organized into two teams, with each team tasked to hit seven balloon targets at a distance of 10 meters for Cal. .45 pistol and 25 meters for M16 rifle.
The firing was followed by a boodlefight, a Philippine military tradition of "friendship meal", composed of steamed rice, pansit bihon, bulanglang, and lechon! The "boodles" were annihilated and totally wiped out!
The Battalion Commander then briefed the crew on the prevailing national and local security situations and how 73rd IB addresses the threats in partnership with LGUs, NGOs, and other stakeholders like the tri-media.
The event was capped by the distribution of certificates to the participants, followed by the awarding ceremony for the team winner and Individual Top Gun awards for the highest pointers in pistol and rifle. As an added fun, a "Bolo Man Award" was given to the individual participant with the least number of hits to challenge "her" to do better next time.
After the success of the May 10 Elections, members of 73rd Infantry Battalion together with policemen of the Sarangani Provincial Police Office (SPPO) work hand-in-hand in cleaning the streets, removing banners and posters of candidates and different political parties as part of the post-election clean-up drive in Sarangani Province and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
MAY 10, 2010, National and Local Elections, troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion and cops of Sarangani Provincial Police Office assist voters in the different polling places. Security Assistance Desks were set up to provide services to the voters. Army and Police personnel were deployed to all polling places to ensure that the electorate are safe and secured from threats and intimidation. As true guardians of freedom and democracy, the troopers' presence created a secured environment that encouraged local folks to go out and exercise their rights to choose their leaders.
Last March 30, 2010, a closing ceremony on Community Relations training and Maritime Operations training was jointly held at the 73IB Headquarters in Sitio Tampuan, Bgy Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province. Visiting US Army personnel shared their knowledge as they also learned from the experiences of our very own personnel. The 3-day training provided a venue for better understanding and cooperation among the long-time allies, the Philippine Army and US Army troopers.
Army troopers, who went through a 3-day training on community outreach, applied what they have learned through a one-day community immersion last March 30, 2010. Thirty-nine students from 1002Bde; 73IB; 39IB; 27IB; and JTF GenSan had the opportunity to visit and see for themselves the area and the people whom the 73IB troopers are interacting with, particularly in Kiamba and Maitum, both of Sarangani Province.
