Bud Bongao: My adventure in Tawi-tawi's sacred mountain

Sunset in Bud Bongao

Bud Bongao during sunrise

I thank the followers of Sultan Kiram for the rare chance to visit Tawi-tawi province, the southernmost part of the Philippines.

Due to the Sabah crisis which was caused by the hostilities in the contested territory in Eastern Borneo, I was sent to see the situation of our people in the affected areas. 

"You need to go to Tawi-tawi to assess the situation there," was the order given by my boss. 

Well, it was not a job for me. It was like ordering Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan to discover the spice islands somewhere in the Pacific ocean.

I liked the job because it gave me the opportunity to see new places and meet more friends.

I was always excited to see Tawi-tawi, a quiet and peaceful province south of Sulu province.

Due to its peace and tranquility, I never had the chance to visit this place during my younger days as a warrior of the First Scout Ranger Regiment. 

Most of the violent armed groups can be found in the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan. Owing to its proximity to the two famous neighboring islands, Tawi-tawi is sometimes wrongly associated to the bad reputation gained by the former. 

Tawi-tawi's capital town is Bongao. It is the land swarmed  by motorcycles. You seldom find 4-wheeled vehicles in the town. Most of the cars are owned by government agencies, local government officials and wealthy business men. 

As I roamed around Bongao, I can't help but appreciate the beauty of the towering figure which serves as a historical landmark in the island. It is a reference point for seafarers since the ancient times.

The people of Tawi-tawi are very proud of its sacred mountain, Bud Bongao. 

"You must climb Bud Bongao if you want to have a better view of Sibutu, Simunul and even Sabah," said Mohammad, a tricycle driver.

As a soldier, I always prefer higher grounds where I can have better fields of fire and a commanding view of the surrounding areas. Soldiers call it a 'key terrain'.

"Okay, let me do it tomorrow. I had been climbing mountains since my LT days anyway," I replied. 

Then, I was given a stern warning by the man. It was the first folk belief that I heard about Bud Bongao.

"Sir, once you have made a commitment, you could not postpone it anymore. You will be met with bad luck if you change your mind."

For that reason, I decided to climb Bud Bongao with 4 other friends the very next day.

Remembering my combat missions, I crafted a simple plan for this task of reaching the summit. I used the SMESC (situation, mission, execution, service support and command/signal).

To complete my mission-essential equipment, I brought bottled water, DSLR camera, GPS and my cellphone. 

My friendly forces include Lt Col Erwin Alea, the Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group and 4 of his friends.

Bongao town is a very peaceful community of Samal and Tausug people. The people are very friendly and warm to visitors. As planned, I discarded my personal defense weapon and relied on my unarmed combat capabilities as well as my prayers.

There are certain practices and beliefs that must be taken into consideration by every visitor such as follows:

   a. No loitering beyond authorized visiting areas;

   b. No desecration of sacred sites such as the 'tampat' (burial place/prayer area) and the water point;

   c. Bring presents (latundan/lakatan) for the monkeys who eagerly meet visitors along the way.

The uphill climb towards the peak only takes about an hour, depending on your rate of march.

Along the way, I saw a marker put up by the Marines. It shows that during an inter-unit competition, a team won the championship trophy by climbing the mountain in 48 minutes.

Enjoying the sceneries around us, we stopped from one spot to another to take photos, forgetful about the time.

Please see this short video of our trip:

This is my photo at the summit of Bud Bongao. In the horizon behind me is the land of Sabah in Eastern Borneo. 

Abu Sayyaf bandits release kidnapped Australian soldier

Photo shows retired Australian soldier Warren Rodwell while in the hands of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

PAGADIAN CITY-The Abu Sayyaf Group has finally released retired Australian soldier Warren Rodwell in Pagadian City at around 1:30am today (March 23, 2013).

He was found by government authorities in the port area here after being abandoned by his captors. The Abu Sayyaf had kept him captive since December 5, 2011 when he was snatched in his home by heavily armed men posing as police officers.

The Army's 1st Infantry Division Chief,  Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, said that Rodwell will be flown by a military chopper to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City for medical check-up.

Basilan Vice Governor Al-Rashid Akalahul was instrumental for the safe release of Rodwell. He personally met up with the Abu Sayyaf members in Tipo-tipo town early evening on March 21 to negotiate for Rodwell's release.

It could not be ascertained if ransom money was involved in the negotiations. 

The bandit group who is responsible for the series of kidnapping in Zamboanga peninsula and nearby islands, normally charge the kidnap victim 'board and lodging' fees amounting to millions of pesos.

A small group of notorious kidnappers has remained scot-free but the government forces are continuously pursuing them. 

Several of the kidnap-for-ransom personalities were either killed or captured in previous military operations, including Abu Sabaya, Khadaffy Janjalani, Dr. Abu Jumdail and Bakal Hapilon.

Ang mosquito net ni Sgt Boloy

Dahil sa dami ng lamok sa kanyang detachment sa Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao, nagpasya si Sgt Boloy na bumili sa mga naglalako ng tinda sa bayan ng Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. 

Don nya nakilala ang Maranao trader na si Amilodin na nagtitinda ng surplus military supplies.

Sgt Boloy: Aki (pare), pabili naman ng mosquito net!

Amilodin:  Uki Sards, mirun aku ditu galing pa to sa Iraq, gamit ito ng mga Kanu! Garantid, di mapasuk ng lamuk!

Sgt Boloy: Ganon? Sigurado ba yan at bibilhin ko na talaga basta di mapasok ng lamok kasi kakatakot ang malarya!

Amilodin:  Sards, pwidi mu ibalik basta hindi maganda at napapasuk ng lamuk! Tu handrid na lang yan!

Sgt Boloy: Oki tenk yu! Ito na ang bayad!

Pag-uwi ni Sgt Boloy, agad nyang ginamit ang kanyang mosquito net sa kanyang kampo. Ipinagmamalaki rin nya ito sa mga kasamahan kaya nainggit sila kasi pinagpipyestahan sila ng lamok ng Liguasan marsh. 

Kinaumagahan, nakita ni Sgt Boloy ang sobra sampung lamok na nasa loob ng mosquito net at busog na busog sa kanyang dugo lahat. Nainis sya at nagpasyang ibalik ang nabiling mosquito net.

Sgt Boloy: Aki, niloko mo ko! Ibalik ko tong binenta mong mosquito net!

Amilodin: At bakit naman Sards, sa ganda nyan ibalik mu pa!

Sgt Boloy: Eh kasi pag-gising ko kaninang umaga, nakapasok naman pala ang lamok at kinagat ako habang natutulog sa loob! Walang kwenta ito kaya ibalik ko na!

Amilodin: Na, na na! Sards, nagtataka ka pa bang makapasuk ang lamuk? Ikaw nga ang laki-laki mu nakapasuk ka rin dun sa loob! Nurmal lang yun!

Espesyal na Pagkain

Si Cpt Boloy ay naanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng lider ng mga katutubo pagkatapos ng pagtitipon sa isang liblib na baranggay sa Zamboanga Sibugay.

Dinala sya sa isang espesyal na papag ng Bgy Captain na lider ng katutubo.

"Sir, mabuti na lang naitago ko pa ang pinaka espesyal na ulam galing pa ito sa Zamboanga City. Sana magustuhan mo ito."

Nagulantang si Cpt Boloy sa kanyang nakita. Nakalagay pa nga ito sa 'ginintuang' lagayan kaya sobrang espesyal.

Spanish Sardines

 



 

Sa ibabang bahagi ng hapag kainan, pinuntahan naman ni Kap ang grupo ni Sgt Botyok.

"Sarge, pagpasensyahan nyo na itong ulam na ito. Iyan lang ang nasa bakuran namin. Naubusan na kasi kami ng espesyal na ulam kaya si Ser Boloy na lang muna patikimin namin."

Ngiting demonyo si Sgt Botyok habang si Cpt Boloy ay nakatitig sa kanya na puno ng inggit.

Ito lang naman ulam nina Botyok.

Tinolang Bisayang manok na hinaluan ng sili at malunggay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Crackdown fears' force Filipino workers to head home from Sabah

BONGAO, Tawi-tawi--- Exactly 18 days since the eruption of violence in Sabah, displaced Filipino workers have kept coming back home.

 

It was about 7:30pm when the Philippine Coast Guard ship named BRP EDSA docked at the pier of Bongao, carrying at least 233 people who were temporarily gathered by government authorities in Taganak, Sibutu town here.

 

The Crisis Management Committee Coordinating Center has already accounted more or less 3,160 displaced persons from the coodinating centers in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

 

Fear of 'Operasi'

 

Most of the people who came are undocumented laborers who have settled in Sabah. Some of them have stayed there for decades, raising their family in various towns where they found decent jobs.

One of them was Sahadail Pulong, 60, a laborer from Sandakan for 30 years. He came with his wife and two teenaged children who were both born in Sabah.

He said that he heard about the rumored 'operasi' (operation) against illegal workers in Sabah as retaliation for the deaths of some Malaysian state forces.

"Natakot kaming hulihin at ipakulong ng pulis doon kasi wala kaming 'pass'. Nagdesisyon na kaming buong pamilya na umalis na lang doon."

Herzalyn Haid, 19, had stayed in Sabah for 10 years. Fluent in Malaysian and Tausug, she revealed that there were rumors about a government crackdown on illegal workers.

"We did not wait for the time that the police will start looking for us in our homes. My husband and I decided to join the other workers who were able to contact a boat that would carry us to Sibutu," said Haid in Tausug dialect.

Income opportunity

 

All of the displaced persons came to Sabah to find jobs that would sustain their family. Some ended as manual laborers, farm workers and house helpers to wealthy Malaysian residents.

Rosalyn Saimuddin, 45, worked as a maid in Sandakan. She said that her modest income allowed her and her husband to feed their 13 children.

"Food is cheap in Sabah and our small wages can afford to raise even a big family. I don't know how to survive back here," she said. 

DSWD-Tawi-tawi Director Hania Aliakbar said that the government is doing its best to address the problems encountered by all displaced persons.

"We are working with various agencies on how to give them livelihood training so that they can find work in their respective communities," she said.

As the people were served hot meals by DSWD personnel and civilian volunteers, some of those who arrived gathered in a corner and hatched their own plan:

 

"Let us go back to Sabah to find work once everything has calmed down," said an old man to his friends.

While there are no livelihood opportunities that could be offered to them, most of them will take the risks to come back to Sabah.

 

Herzalyn Haid, a resident of Sabah for 10 years,  is 4 months pregnant.

 

Rosalyn Saimuddin is proud of her treasures, her 13 children who are all born in Sabah.

 

The AFP Medical Team was deployed to help those who need medical attention.

A social worker attends to a day-old baby boy who was born during the journey from Sabah to Tawi-tawi.

Believe it or not, a Philippine band had taken part in a US presidential inaugural

The Philippine Army (PA) Band recently gave a tribute concert in honor of Walter H. Loving, founder of the prewar Philippine Constabulary (PC) Band, at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

The concert was held in time for the launching of the book “In Performance: Walter H. Loving and the Philippine Constabulary Band,” written by Robert Yoder and published by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Feb. 28.

Some 98 musicians of the prewar PC Band were gathered and reorganized in 1945 to constitute the Philippine Army Band by Lt. Antonino Buenaventura, who became its commanding officer until he retired in 1962. The reconstitution was done in response to the order given by Maj. Gen. Basilio Valdez,  the national-defense secretary.

Loving, an African-American, had established the PC Band on Oct. 15, 1902. Loving went beyond engaging the band in military ceremonies. He transformed it from the parade ground to the legitimate concert hall, playing symphonic pieces.

Loving, who was loved and respected by the Filipino musicians, led the band from playing the usual band pieces into sophisticated symphonic pieces. The band played the symphonic repertoire regularly in outdoor concerts (serenata), initially at Binondo Square, Plaza Calderon de la Barca, in front of Binondo Church, then later, the more popular promenade, Luneta.

Outside the Philippines, the PC Band played during the St. Louis Exposition in 1904; Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915; and Golden Gate Exposition in 1939.

Special place

It also played for the presidential inaugural of William H. Taft in 1909, accompanying him from the White House to the Capitol, where he took his oath of office.

The PC Band’s playing broke the long-held tradition of the US Marine Band’s playing and escorting the newly elected president to take his oath.

Taft, of course, had a special place in his heart for Filipinos since he was the first American governor general of the Philippines, during which time he played Big Brother to Filipinos and encouraged the band’s formation.

In the tribute concert, held at Security and Escort Batallion’s Bayanihan Hall, a bucolic makeshift performance venue adjacent to a pond, favorite pieces of Loving were played.

Lt. Ron Michael Soriao, commanding officer of the band; Maj. Jesus C. Diaz, former CO; MSgt. Crisanto Diaz; and Lt. Peterson de Vera took turns in conducting the band. Karel S. Dabu graciously hosted the program.

From the opening number, Daniel Fajardo’s “Col. Walter H. Loving March,” to John Philip Sousa’s “Hands across the Sea,” to the more sophisticated “Oberon” Overture by Webber, it was glorious listening to grand band symphonic sound.

Potenciano Gregorio’s “Sarung-Banggi,” purportedly a favorite of the prewar band, was also played with De Vera conducting.

A novelty piece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” perked up the program as Soriao conducted the band with gusto.

Yoder receives a certificate of appreciation from Pedro C. Dulos as Eduardo Tubiera looks on.

Both Fajardo and Gregorio were members of the prewar PC Band.

Loving composition

When the band conducted by Diaz played “Beloved Philippines,” with a male quartet singing the text written by Loving himself, one felt a lump in the throat.

Incarcerated with his wife Edith at University of Santo Tomas, Loving composed the song and wrote the text. Seeing the country he loved so much being desecrated by the Japanese, he expressed the lofty sentiment of patriotism in the song that he scored in a hymn-like fashion, so noble and touching with the refrain: “We’ll fight for you; we’ll die for you, Beloved Philippines.”

Hearing the PA Band after a long, long while, one renewed familiarity with its unmistakable sound that became the toast of band enthusiasts and musicians in the past.

I was associated with it in the early ’70s, doubling as choral conductor for the band members and writer under then CO José Francisco G. Dunca Jr.

Dunca graced the program with his presence together with another former band CO, Gen. Eliseo Javier.

It is nostalgic to recall that, on Oct. 15, 1974, the PA Band gave its 72nd anniversary concert at the CCP with Colonel Dunca conducting. Under his incumbency, he put up the Col. Walter H. Loving Society, which included some 45 original PC Band members.

Mother of PC Band

More important, the concert was graced with the presence of Edith Loving. Dubbed Mother of the PC Band, she was happy to renew company with the prewar band members.

ROBERT Yoder with officers and members of PA Band and guests

The PA Band still weaves seasoned and well-honed sound. It still capably displays the hallmark of excellence honed by a long tradition of sensitive playing, which continues to allure.

It is unfortunate one rarely hears it perform nowadays, as it used to in the past in concert halls, such as Meralco Theater or the CCP, and outdoor venues.

Yoder presented a copy of the original manuscript of his book to the command. It was received by Col. Pedro C. Dulos, deputy commander of the headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG), witnessed by Lt. Col. Eduardo Tubiera, executive officer of the Security and Escort Batallion, and Col. Noel Buan, chief of staff, HHSG.

Yoder’s book is based on the thesis he wrote for his MA degree, which he earned in North Carolina Central University. A highlight of the book is the extra musical career of Loving treated in a chapter, that of being a military agent in 1916-19, which he pursued for the “welfare of his country.”

Magic wand

In his brief remarks, Yoder commended the band for their magical rendition, and the innate musical talent of the Filipinos.

He recalled several anecdotes of the band, including the incident when it played Rossini’s “William Tell” Overture in total darkness at the St. Louis Exposition. Instinctively, Loving tied a white handkerchief at the tip of his baton and waved it like a magic wand for an hour, accurately cueing the musicians who played from memory.

When the lights went on, Loving and his “little brown men” instantly became world celebrities. A plaque of appreciation was later given to Yoder.

In his response, Dulos said Loving’s task of establishing the band was a milestone in the history of band music in the country. He expressed admiration for the band’s sterling performance, and led the audience in giving it a hearty applause.

The glorious tradition set out by the PC Band continues to live on, and is carried on by the Philippine Army Band. A lasting legacy, the PA Band deserves to be heard more often.

By Antonio C. Hila

2:15 am | Monday, March 11th, 2013

 2 282 266

My Top 3 Favorite Spots in Cebu City

I have my own favorite spots in Cebu City, the Queen City of the south. The list includes the Mactan Shrine, The Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro. To visit these historical spots, I visited Cebu for the third time since 1993. My last visit was when thousands of troops were consolidated here before their deployment to Sulu during the Sipadan Hostage Crisis in September 2000. Behind me is the statue of Lapu-lapu (Datu Iliji and Kali Pulaku) erected in Mactan Shrine, the first local warrior who repulsed an European invasion in 1521.According to Tausug oral traditions, he was a member of their tribe who settled in Mactan.

 The towering statue of Lapu-lapu is facing towards the sea. I can imagine him rallying his people behind him as Ferdinand Magellan and his men disembarked from their boats to attack the village. The natives were outgunned but uncowed. They fought courageously to the last drop of their blood. Legend has it that Lapu-lapu killed Magellan himself in this epic Battle of Mactan. Because of that feat, he is considered as the first ever Filipino warrior.

This area is believed to be the site of the bloody battle on April 27, 1521. During low tide, bigger boats could not make it to the shore as shown in the photo.

 This is the marker that shows the short narrative about the Battle of Mactan. Behind it is the painting that depicts  the epic battle which showcased the bravery of early Filipinos. Though I bear the name of the invasion force's leader, I am prouder to be identified with our brave Muslim forefather, Kali Pulaku. The Mactan Shrine is only a few kilometers away from Mactan International Airport. I would suggest that visitors take a cab to visit this place, though there are several passenger jeeps plying the route towards this historical place located in Punta Engano.

One of the most important landmarks in Cebu and even the entire Philippines is the Magellan's Cross which is located just across the city hall and a stone's throw away from the Colegio de Santo Nino. According to traditions, this is the site where Magellan planted a cross upon his arrival on April 14, 1521. The Muslim ruler of Limasawa island, Rajah Humabon, and his subjects were converted to Christianity during the first Holy Mass that was celebrated in this place.

When you come inside the tiled pavilion, you will see this ceiling mural that shows the actual planting of the cross by Hernando de Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan). The original cross gradually deteriorated through the years due to exposure to natural elements. Likewise, some of the religious faithfuls took some parts of the cross, perhaps as religious relics and 'anting-anting' (amulet). It was in 1845 that another cross  made of Tindalo wood was erected in the same spot. It is said that the tiny remnants of the original cross were put inside the hollow of this latest cross. 

 Clad in yellow outfit, these ladies approached me to offer prayer songs to Senior Sto Nino. They said that the prayer songs can be heard and the paying visitor will receive countless blessings from God. They charged me and my buddy P50.00 as they chanted 'Pit Senior' while dancing in front of Magellan's Cross. Though I don't believe their claim,  I allowed them to perform the prayers as I took this short video.

The Cebu City Hall is only a stone's throw away from the Magellan's Cross. It  is located in the street named in honor of the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan-----Magallanes street. You can see these landmarks around the historical site. The easiest way to visit this place is by taking a cab. It is only about 30 minutes away from the airport.

Entering the Colegio de Santo Nino compound, you will be greeted by this ancient structure called the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino that was constructed in 1566. It is said that this church is built in the same spot where Spanish explorers the wooden image of the Holy Child (Senior Santo Nino) contained in a wooden box that was left behind by Magellan's expedition in 1521. The Spaniards claimed that it  survived the fire that gutted down the wooden church that housed, making it a miraculous relic.  Learning from their bad experience, the Governor of Cebu directed its major facelift in 1735, using stones and bricks. Pope Paul VI declared its elevated status as a Basilica Minore in 1965. Aside from being a favorite religious destination for Catholic pilgrims, people flock here to appreciate its beauty.

Not far from the Magellan's cross, you can find Fort San Pedro, a Spanish fort that was constructed  by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565.  It began as a single triangular bastion when it was first built with logs and mud, with Legazpi breaking ground for the structure. During its heyday, it served as the nerve center for the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines; and, it is considered as the oldest and smallest fort in the country. It was used to repel sieges by hostile natives and Muslim warriors from  the Sulu, Sultanate.  It was deemed finished in 1738, about 2 centuries after it started construction.That was how effective the Moro raids were.

It's more fun visiting Cebu!

Syrian rebel forces release 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Jordan

When Syrian rebels snatched 21 Filipino peacekeepers four days ago, everyone who learned of the bad news was stunned. 

We were still recovering from the dramatic confrontation with Malaysian security forces and Filipino warriors in nearby Sabah, when the news came that our gallant peacekeepers were captured in a village called Al-Jamla, Syria.

I woke up reading the news sent through email by UNDOF's Chief of Staff, Filipino hero Colonel Cirilito Sobejana. 

His short email said: "I'm in Amman, Jordan now with the 21 Filipino UN peacekeepers who were held hostage by the rebels. They are all in good shape and in high spirits. We'll head back to the Golan soonest to continue perform our mandate of maintaining peace and stability in the buffer zone of Syria and Israel. Thank you for all your prayers and support."

I felt relieved by the news. I knew that anything bad could happen because there were sporadic clashes around the area right after their abduction.

I also personally doubt if  the video statements read by some of the captured Filipinos were freely given. Then, their release was delayed despite the earlier promises given to the negotiators. 

 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the release of the detained peacekeepers.

 "All sides in the Syrian conflict must respect the impartiality of UNDOF which monitors a ceasefire line between Syria and Israel in the strategic Golan plateau," he said.

UNDOF Mandate

According to its internet publication, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established by Security Council resolution 350 (1974) of 31 May 1974 to:

• Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria;
• Supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces; and
• Supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

Since its activation over four decades ago, the mandate of UNDOF has been renewed every six months. 

Named Camp Farouar, ts headquarters is located in the Syrian side of the Golan Heights. Presently, there are 89 established military positions here, with all the peacekeeping Contingents being represented. 

Likewise, there are one hundred and twenty civilians both International Staff and locally-hired staff.

The peacekeepers' actions were adversely affected by the ongoing civil war within Syria. The skirmishes had spread to the countryside and nearer to the ceasefire line where the peacekeepers were stationed. 

According to UN Secretary General Ban-ki-Moon, the continued presence of UNDOF was essential due to the volatile situation in the Middle East.

In a statement, he said that: "The peacekeeping force was likely to remain so, unless and until a comprehensive settlement covering all aspects of the Middle East problem was reached."

'Surrender' questioned

I have read so many criticisms about the soldiers' decision to 'surrender' to the heavily-armed rebel forces. How I wish these armchair warriors will have the chance to work in conflict zones as peacekeepers.

While they are allowed to use force to defend themselves, the peacekeepers are duty bound to strictly observe the restrictive Rules of Engagement taught to them during their pre-deployment training.

It is also important to understand the nature of UNDOF, one of the classic UN peacekeeping forces which is dubbed as an 'interposition force', being tasked to hold the ground located in between two armies (Syria and Israel) in a contested territory (Golan Heights). It is not designed as a fighting force like the other peacekeeping forces like UNIFIL (Lebanon) and the former UNOSOM (Somalia).

Soldiers who are assigned as peacekeepers are made to strictly observe the restrictions on what it can do based on the mandate of UNDOF. 

It should be noted that despite the bloody civil war in Syria, the UN Security Council has not changed the mandate and purpose and composition of a force.

The wise critics who said that our soldiers are 'cowards' must understand the very purpose of UNDOF: To monitor and patrol the Golan Heights. 

Also, the Filipino peacekeepers are lightly armed and are not involved in Syria’s separate uprising against Assad’s government.

Considering the above-mentioned circumstances, they did what I think was right. If I was the leader of that lightly armed patrol that was surrounded by by overwhelming number of gun-toting rebels, I will opt to peacefully surrender.

But, I will not do the same as a Scout Ranger fighting the Abu Sayyaf or the NPA bandits. That is the difference.

Modern heroes

There are over 110,000 men and women of the United Nations deployed in conflict areas around the world, representing 120 UN member countries including the Philippines.  

Included in the long list of jobs for UN Peacekeepers are: help in training the local police force, disarm the former combatants, support elections and assist in building State institutions.

Peacekeeping missions come with the risk of being caught in the middle of the conflict. As an unarmed UN Military Observer in South Sudan, I was among those who were held for hours by a young Captain of the Sudanese Armed Forces who misunderstood our job as a neutral element in fostering peace in their land.

During the early years of our country's UN deployment in Haiti, we also lost one soldier who was killed by gunmen while he was performing his duties.

In giving tribute to all peacekeepers, Ban said: "Thanks to their (peacekeepers') efforts, life-saving humanitarian assistance can be delivered and economic development can begin."

The Filipino peacekeepers are still our modern-day heroes. They deserve our warm welcome.

Army soldiers seize highpowered rifle in Isabela gunfight

SAN MARIANO, Isabela-- Army soldiers seize an M16 Rifle after a 30-minute gunbattle with NPA bandits in the hinterland village of Cangalan here at around 6:30am today.

A 35-man platoon of soldiers led by 2nd Lieutenant Ranola was conducting security patrol in the area when they were fired upon by least 9 heavily armed gunmen who extorted money from the villagers.

The troops responded with selective gunfire, hurting the bandits who gradually scampered to various directions carrying their casualties.

No one was hurt among the soldiers who had continuously pursued the bandits, following the blood traces along the escaped route.

A small number of bandits are still roaming around the hinterland villages here.

21 Filipino peacekeepers held hostage by Syrian rebel forces

PEACE MONITORS. When I was deployed as a UN military observer in 2008, I experienced the countless travels to remote areas controlled either by rebel or government forces. One of the Filipino officers who was assigned in an adjacent area was ambushed by a drunk rebel soldier. He escaped unhurt but his buddy sustained a head wound.

 



Twenty one peacekeepers belonging to the Philippine Battalion, United Nations Disengagement  Observer Force were held hostage by Syrian rebels early afternoon on Wednesday (March 6, 2013).

 

The soldiers were conducting supply operations on board UN marked vehicles when they were blocked by heavily armed gunmen somewhere in the vicinity of Al-Jamlah at around 12:30pm.

The senior officials of UNDOF had negotiated  for the release of the peacekeepers.

The rebels had demanded  the removal of  five battle tanks and infantry soldiers belonging to the Syrian Arab Armed Forces from the said village.

The soldiers who were held hostage narrated by phone that they were being treated humanely by their captors.

 

Previous attack

 

Also in January this year, a UN marked vehicle carrying a Filipino officer of the UNDOF came under fire amidst the fighting between the opposing forces. No one was hurt in the said incident.

 

Filipino peacekeepers are widely known in the United Nations for their highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence.

 

As one of the founding members of the United Nations, the Philippines has continued its deployment of peacekeepers in some troubled regions since the 1950s. 

 

The past and present UN deployments include Kashmir region, Sudan, South Sudan, Korea, Congo, Afghanistan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cote d’ Ivoire, Darfur, Georgia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia,  Kosovo, Nepal, and Timor Leste. 

There are also a separate deployment of unarmed Filipino UN military observers who help monitor the implementation of the peace agreement in these areas.

A UN patrol is composed of UN military observers, a language assistant and representative from both the government and rebel forces. This photo was taken during our visit to a remote town in Unity State in South Sudan. There was a time when I and 5 others were held hostage by a young officer manning a checkpoint near the border with Abyei. We did not have the two representatives from the opposing forces during that time. We were saved by the Arab-speaking Jordanian officer who was also a member of our patrol.