Strong civilian-military partnership key to peace, dev’t in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 26): Strong civilian-military partnership key to peace, dev’t in Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan -- Achieving peace and development entails a strong partnership and cooperation between civilians and law enforcers in a province that has been infested with lawless elements and terrorists.

Any law enforcement and military actions would be futile when civilians become passive players in the process of human security and peace. In effect, anger and hatred will perpetuate and the cycle of violence will continue. For quite some time in the past, the use of military force has been the way to stabilize the state of security in the conflict-torn province of Basilan.

But things have changed. The military, through its Bayanihan program, has evolved into a force that strives to win the peace in communities rather than winning the war.

The whole armed forces in Basilan, including the Fourth Special Forces Battalion (4^thSFBn) (Riverine) of the Philippine Army, embodied this same principle of winning the peace in every community. This was further affirmed during the recent turn-over of command at the 4^th SF Bn Headquarters in Basilan.

As LTC Andrew B. Bacala Jr turned-over his post to the new commanding officer recently, he bannered the many programs and successes of the battalion, which were attributed to the support, cooperation, and partnership of Basilan stakeholders, including civilians in the communities.

“To all Basileños, I am much honored to have served you all in my capacity as the commander of 4SFBN(R). Marami pong salamat sa lahat ng suporta ninyo sa akin at sa Special Forces. Wala po kaming magagawa kung hindi nyo kami sinuportahan sa lahat ng bagay na na-accomplish namin. With that, my sincerest gratitude to all for keeping the faith in us. Maraming salamat po ulit. Hasta la vista (Till we meet again)," he said.

In a simple turn-over ceremony held at Cabunbata, Isabela City, LTC Bacala was replaced by LTC Achilles Dela Cruz who promised to sustain the gains the unit has achieved for the last two years.

He especially cited and gave credit to the significant role of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGUs) and the Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) who fought side by side with the Dolphin Warriors (the 4SFBn soldiers) in many of its victories and some failures.

“To all Dolphin Warriors, CAFGUs and CVOs of Basilan: Words cannot express my sincerest thanks and gratitude for all the support you have extended to my 2 years of leadership. Your trust and confidence in me, and our collective efforts have elevated 4SFBn(R) to what it is now. Keep it up. Sustain it,” he said.

“Given our limited resources, we strive to reach for greater heights. This could not have been possible if not for your full cooperation. Unknowingly, each and every Dolphin Warrior went beyond your personal limitations to make collective achievement possible. And I, for one, am very proud to have provided that brand of leadership, that very leadership that requires every soldier and every man to take risk and take decisive action. For it is maturity in those actions that makes insurmountable task seems easy,” he said.

“More than fighting the enemy, your special forces is here to build communities. Makatulong na maiahon sa kalagayan ang mga taga-Basilan. None of these would be possible kundi sa tulong ninyong lahat—barangay, LGU, NGAs, NGOs, CSOs, media, CAFGUs, CVO, BPATS. It is an honor to have served the people of Basilan,” Bacala added.

Bacala considered the neutralization of a dreaded bomber, the capture of major ASG camps, the rescue of a number of kidnapped victims, the surrender of a significant number of suspected ASGs, and the introduction of seed the future project which paved the way for the community-based vegetable farming programs of some communities and agencies, as among the greatest accomplishments of the 4SFBn in Basilan.

“We showed sincerity to the community we swore to protect that is why we were able to get their support,” Bacala stressed.

Meanwhile, newly installed commanding officer of the 4^thSFBn LTC Achilles Dela Cruz said, “As I assume this command, I shall continue to share the vision, implement the programs and the projects that LTC Bacala had set, which I am certain had made a great impact in Basilan as evidenced by the presence of the different stakeholders.”

Dela Cruz underscored that he will implement an “all nation approach” in keeping Basilan peaceful and open opportunities for greater development in the near future.
 
The turn-over of command was presided by Brigadier General Ramiro Manuel A. Rey (AFP), Commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operation Command of the Philippine Army.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1004457