Mindanaotoday.com | Haribon brigade keeps LDS safeguarded amid security threats
By: Claire Gigje
MARAWI CITY – Amidst the security threats that linger in the province of Lanao del Sur, the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade made sure that the residents are still safe and secured.
103rd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer LtCol. Palawan Miondas stressed that in their areas of responsibility, they continue to advance their actions to counter the existing lawlessness and criminalities.
He detailed that part of their initiative is leading the joint law operations that serve warrants and file cases against terrorists and supporters, and strictly enforce the enacted Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Also bannered by the brigade is their fight against illegal drugs in which they were able to uproot and burn a 500-square meter marijuana plantation in Brgy. Dilimbayan in Maguing town amounting to P3.75 million.
A search warrant was additionally issued in the same location that consequently caused the arrest of three personalities and confiscation of 1.5 kilos of shabu with an estimated national average value of P10.2 million.
Miondas further shared that they maintain their good relationship with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as they keep their involvement in peacebuilding activities such as the peace dialogues with MILF leaders, close coordination with MILF peace mechanism, and information and education campaign on ceasefire mechanism.
He then specified the creation of Joint Task Force Lanao del Sur which calls for unity among members of the security sector so that together, they can respond swiftly should there be security threats in the province.
Miondas also mentioned how they help the Philippine National Police and MILF peace mechanism in rido (family feuds) settlement while they support the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi with their provision of security for important personnel visiting the locality.
Moreover, as the Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group (DI-MG) is still the top security threat as of this time, the Haribon brigade stated that they continuously campaign on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) by conducting youth development activities, push for information awareness through different media platforms, and engage with stakeholders, especially the traditional and religious leaders.
Accordingly, the military’s effort has already caused two DI-MG combatants and 79 supporters to surrender and return to the fold of law.
Miondas conveyed that this can be attributed to their troops dedicated to upholding their mandate of securing the people of the province.
“This is because of the continuous focused military operation – the patrolling of our operational control units or battalions. In their everyday activity, we are able to push [the DI-MG remnant] outside of Lanao del Sur. We are able to expel them from where they are hiding,” he said.
Citing all the undertakings of the Haribon brigade, Miondas confirmed that Lanao del Sur province is generally peaceful and manageable.
“The situation in Marawi City is normal and the rest of the area of operations in Lanao del Sur is relatively peaceful,” he said. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)
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