ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade of the Philippine Army marked its 13th activation anniversary, recognizing its dedicated partners in upholding peace and order here and in Lanao del Norte.
The Brigade also unveiled a new two-story barracks facility, specially constructed to accommodate senior non-commissioned officers. This project was materialized through the collaborative efforts of the Department of National Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways as part of the "Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad," or "TIKAS" program.
Magbalantay Brigade Commander BGen. Anthon Abrina expressed gratitude to the individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of their mission, underscoring the significance of their partnership with a greater purpose.
Itong anniversary, yung pinakahighlight nito is really to give thanks doon sa mga nakatulong sa brigade for the attainment of our mission, sa mga partners, stakeholders natin at lalong-lalo na sa poong maykapal [The highlight of this anniversary is really to give thanks to those who helped the Brigade attain its mission, to our partners and stakeholders, and especially to the Almighty God]," he said in an interview at Magbalantay Brigade.
The Brigade also honored its outstanding personnel, recognizing their dedication and hard work in upholding peace and order in their area of responsibility.
The 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade of the Philippine Army unveils a new two-story barracks facility, specially constructed to accommodate senior non-commissioned officers. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Embracing path of peace
The celebration became more significant as two former members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group chose to embrace the path of law and order.
Their voluntary surrender marked a significant victory in the ongoing fight against extremism and was the culmination of meticulous intelligence operations and the Community Support Program-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCRVE) by the Magbalantay Brigade. These efforts were greatly bolstered by the collaborative support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, the local government unit of Munai, and various stakeholders.
"The surrender of two DI-MG members along with their high-powered firearms is a result of the CSP-PCRVE we have been conducting for almost a month now in four identified barangays of Munai," said 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Marlon C. Famoso, during a ceremony at the headquarters of the 43rd Mechanized Armor Company in Munai, Lanao del Norte.
2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade marks its 13th activation anniversary recognizing its dedicated partners in upholding peace and order here and Lanao del Norte. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Reintegration of FVEs
In recognition of their choice to return to the fold of society, the FVEs will soon receive support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
"After maprocess, mapirmahan sa PNP ug AFP ang Joint PNP-AFP intelligence committee report, amo na dayon iprocess ang ilang immediate benefits, ug livelihood assistance [After the PNP and AFP process and sign the Joint PNP-AFP intelligence committee report, we will then process their immediate benefits and livelihood assistance]," said DILG Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Bruce Augusto Colao.
The FVEs' surrender of two powerful weapons serves as additional evidence of their path to peace. They are now securely in the custody of the Magbalantay Brigade for a thorough debriefing. This step symbolizes the commitment to not only bring individuals back into the fabric of society but also to ensure a safer and more harmonious future for everyone. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
