I took this photo of the Liguasan marsh in Central Mindanao during my visit here early this year. I once served as a combat leader in this area in the late 90's.
I started my day hearing some bad news from Central Mindanao today.
At 6:30am, an improvised bomb was detonated by unknown perpetrators near a military outpost in Pinantao village, Parang town in Maguindanao. Two innocent civilians were wounded including Abraham Tiburon and Erlinda Bulagues, both 54 yrs old. Investigators from both the AFP and PNP have inspected the site of the blast.
At 7:30am, heavily armed gunmen led by Sukarno Husain and a certain Commander Brudy attacked the processing plant of Delenanas Banana Plantation in Sitio Mangco, Dungos, Tulunan, Cotabato. Army troops were sent to defend the civilians who are employed in the said banana plantation.
At 8:00am, Army soldiers found the decapitated body of Mr Ricardo Dionio in Dimapulot village in Midsayap town. Another victim, Mr Erwin Viloan was found in Sitio Babonao, Bgy Agriculture of the same town.
The series of attacks had started about 3 weeks ago. The perpetrators are believed to be part of the 'spoilers' of the peace process, particularly the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that is currently worked out by the peace negotiators from the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The soldiers are deployed to defend the communities and serve as a credible deterrence against armed threats who intend to derail the peace process.
Soldiers have remained committed in observing the primacy of the peace process.
We are one with the people in their ultimate goal of attaining lasting peace for their children and future generations.
Such a sad news indeed! another attack.. when can this terror end?
ReplyDeleteHi there, Mr. Ranger! Is it true that gunmen were seen along hacienda area near brgys. magsaysay & nituan in Parang, Maguindanao. Residents near these areas are in turmoil & panicking about this news that spread all over social media & text messages. According to them, gunmen who residents have visuals are alleged member of BIFF, they use the sea along magsaysay coast as their portal in transporting troops & ammunition. Can you verify the veracity of this news? Pls. let me know. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThere are rumors circulated about the presence of BIFF gunmen. Please report them to the nearest detachment in your area if you have personally witnessed the presence of unauthorized gun-toting individuals. You are our partners in security matters too.
DeleteI am not there to personally witness the tension that this unverified issue has caused the residents of Parang so I turned into you, hoping you can give me information regarding the situation. I do have family & relatives peacefully living there & I still consider it a home. Actually, the first & foremost place I go when I am in the country. My worries are for these people: the innocent ones & for the soldiers who fought for the protection of the community. I am heartless for these lawless elements, they have no room in the society. If by chance you have lead on this issue & other issues concerning threats of security in Mindanao, please have this blog updated. Thank you.
DeleteWe are not fighting the whole Bangsamoro but only these groups who want to spoil the peace process. We are gaining grounds in the forging of lasting peace in Mindanao. Let us all contribute towards its success. We are committed to support this undertaking.
ReplyDeletecome what may!!!!
ReplyDelete