The Clearing of Davao Oriental- A story of the 701st Brigade DAVAO ORIENTAL, July 30, 2013 (PIA) - The strong partnership between the Philippine Army and the Provincial Government emanates from a common and earnest desire to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Davao Oriental. The mutually beneficial partnership and collaboration allowed for convergence of efforts not only of the two agencies but of other stakeholders and the communities that eventually resulted to the clearing of Davao Oriental province. Davao Oriental is situated in the southeasternmost part of Mindanao facing the mighty Pacific Ocean. It is a Province proud for its rich culture and natural resources and known to have great tourist spots like islets, white sand beaches, and protected coral reefs and mountain ranges. The full potential of the province’s socio-economic wealth is still left untapped owing to the peace and order situation. In 2010, the Armed Forces of the Philippines campaign plan named as Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” was crafted and one of its imperative is the “involvement of all stakeholders in the pursuit of internal peace and security” with “support to community-based peace and development efforts” as one of its concepts. As such, most of its resources and capabilities, particularly in the province, are focused towards pursuing stated imperative in a way that it could catalyze, enable and facilitate the active participation of all stakeholders in the pursuit of peace and security in conflict-affected areas. Faced with a bleak social and economic scenario wrought with challenges that need to be addressed, Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N Malanyaon welcomed such AFP plan dubbed “Bayanihan” as it presented an opportunity for both the AFP and the Provincial Government to collaborate with, combine resources and complement capabilities in achieving a common purpose. Heightened insurgency threats hindered the delivery of services in far flung barangays and derail the Province’s development efforts. In October 2, 2010, the 701st Infantry (KAGITINGAN) Brigade, from its former base in the Province of Tarlac in Luzon Island was deployed in Davao Oriental and occupied its new home at Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, Mati City, Davao Oriental. The Brigade area of responsibility covers the whole province of Davao Oriental with its 10 municipalities and the City of Mati, including nine barangays of the municipality of Lingig, Surigao del Sur. With two Infantry Battalions, the 28th and 67th Infantry Battalions, the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and the Bravo Company, 72nd Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) situated strategically in the whole province and placed under its operational control, the campaign to clear Davao Oriental of CNN influence started on February 2011. The mission of 701st (KAGITINGAN) Brigade is to conduct peace and security operations in Davao Oriental Province in order to clear all its barangays of CNN affectation, neutralize its armed elements and prevent its resurgence; to hold and contain the 111th BC, BIAF, MILF; to destroy ATG and LFTOs in the area; to support efforts of the LGUs to sustain development and assist in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. To accomplish this mission, the Brigade formulated an area clearing concept of operations that subscribes to 10th Infantry Division’s Peace and Development Outreach Program or PDOP, maximizing the employment of Peace and Development Teams (PDT) in all the barangays of each municipality, regardless of its affectation. The deployment of PDTs in contiguous areas effectively denied the enemy the space they need to side-step away from government forces. Through the conduct of Massive Area Clearing through PDOP, the campaign, designed in 4-phases, started with the clearing of San Isidro, Tarragona and Manay municipalities on the 1st Quarter of 2011. By the 4th Quarter of 2011, the clearing of the municipalities of Banaybanay, Lupon, Cateel and Boston was initiated. Encouraged by positive results, the clearing of Mati City and Baganga including the nine barangays of the Municipality of Lingig, Surigao del Sur went by the 2nd Quarter of 2012. By the 4th Quarter of 2012 up to the 1st Quarter of 2013, the clearing of the remaining municipalities of Caraga and Governor Generoso was undertaken. On 06 Feb 2013, the clearing of Davao Oriental with its 10 municipalities and one city was completed. The Clearing of Davao Oriental through the conduct of Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) resulted to the following: 167 of the 183 barangays were validated cleared of CNN affectation and the downgrading of 16 barangays; 144 Regular NPA members surrendered; 2,832 members of underground mass organization (UGMO) voluntarily denouncing their loyalty to the insurgency; 182 functioning Brgy Peace and Order Council (BPOC); 15,721 BPATS members; and 1,812 youth participated in the Youth Leadership Summit. Additionally, 12,616 civilians were trained as Peace and Development Volunteers while 1,812 informants were recruited. More importantly, a total of 156 sustainable livelihood projects spread all across the different barangays were implemented. These accomplishments provided physical and psychological barriers, leading to the suppression of the CNN in the Province of Davao Oriental as manifested by the very few minor CNN activities and the drastic reduction of its manpower, further proving their “displacement” from the province. The success of the Area Clearing was largely due to the unwavering commitment and generous support of the local government to the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the Brigade. The strong partnership with the Local Government and its other line agencies, Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations and other stakeholders in support to the peace and stability programs of the Province concretized the emerging approach of addressing insurgency as enshrined in the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” (IPSP). Despite the disruptions caused by Typhoon Pablo which hit the province, that significantly delayed and threatened the completion of area clearing effort, the commitment and support of all stakeholders enabled the clearing of Barangays from NPA influence and eventually driving their regular armed units outside of the provincial boundary. On April 10, 2013, in partnership with the Provincial Government and other stakeholders, an Area Clearing Ceremony and Joint Declaration of Commitment to Sustain the Gains of PDOP was held that highlighted the results of the campaign and announced that indeed, Davao Oriental is ready for full-blast development.(pr) 701st Brigade welcomes new commanding officer MATI CITY, Province of Davao Oriental, July 30, 2013 (PIA) – Col. Benjamin Madrigal assumed the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade from its outgoing commander Brigadier General Rey Leonardo Guerrero during the Change of Command turn over rites at the 701st IB Headquarters in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati on Monday, July 29, 2013. The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General Hernando Iriberri, who himself was recently installed as new chief of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division. Iriberri spoke highly of the job Guerrero has done over the past year as an accomplished military officer during his stint as commander and for the impact of his outstanding services. Included in the long roster of Guerrero’s accomplishments is the massive clearing operation through the conduct of the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) activities, which led to the dismantling and surrender of more than 3,000 members of underground organization and submission of almost 200 members of the rebels groups. Guerrero also led the efficient response to typhoon Pablo through disaster rescue and relief operations, provided support to the local government programs, engaged in protection of environment, among many others. “I leave contented with the thought that I had contributed my modest share to the improvement of peace and security condition in the area of my responsibility and thankful for partners who helped in the accomplishment of my mission,” Guerrero said who came to the province more than a year ago as a Colonel and now leaves as a General. Guerrero made special mention of Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon and other well-meaning individuals and organizations who have given generous support to the Army’s vision. During his stay, Guerrero was able to clear 192 affected barangays in his area of responsibility. This resulted to the handing over of the Internal Security Efforts to the provincial government last April 10. Guerrero said he is confident that his successor Col. Madrigal who he described as a capable and competent officer would do even better. Meanwhile, as Col. Madrigal willingly accepted the responsibility of leading the brigade and to continue to be a partner for peace and development, he admits that though he is faced with high expectations and challenges, he said he is confident knowing that the army has a cooperative environment, with stakeholders sharing common purpose and desire to lead good governance and service to people. “Having seen the overwhelming support of the provincial government and other stakeholders, I don’t see any reason why we can’t do any miracles in this part of the country,” he said. “With BGEN Guerrero as my predecessor, I can say that I am very lucky because I know that I am taking over an efficient and very well motivated work force,” he added. While Madrigal vowed that he will pursue the ongoing programs of the command in the implementation of the IPSP Bayanihan and the Army Transportation Road Map, he also asked for the continued support and cooperation of the interagency partners and counterparts of the local government units and other concerned stakeholders to create a climate conducive for development, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, formal education, and other essential to steer positive growth. “We shall continue to further build in the numerous gains that the Brigade has achieved together with the other stakeholders especially in this province through the able leadership of Governor Malanyaon and local executives,” he added. (pr)
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 01:04:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015