Army takes ‘miracle water’ to ‘Sendong’ victims

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Army engineers have brought “miracle water” to flash-flood victims in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City by setting up water purifying machines that can produce thousands of gallons of potable water from murky river water.

Potable water remains scarce in the two cities since the overnight flash floods of Dec. 16 destroyed pipelines that would reportedly take months to restore.

The water purifying machines were loaned by the United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific Experimentation Center.

Army engineers, with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines National Development Support Command (Nadescom) and the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based in Cagayan de Oro on Thursday installed the machines that were immediately operational.

According to the Army, the Aspen 2000 model can purify 2,000 gallons of untreated water or 1,800 gallons of salt water in one day.

The Aspen 5500 model meanwhile can purify 5,000 gallons of untreated water daily.

The machines are run by electricity. They have built-in rechargeable batteries that can run for three hours at a time.

Since power has not been restored in Barangay Hinaplanon, the soldiers use diesel-fueled generators to run the machines.

Water purifiers were also set up in Sitio Tibasak, Barangay Macasandig and Barangay Patag, both in Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay Hinaplanon in Iligan.

The treated water is given free to residents who may fetch water at any time of day. The system operates 24 hours daily.

1st Lt. Dennis Martinez of the 52nd Engineering Brigade, who led the soldiers who installed two water-purifiying machines in Barangay Macasandig, said hundreds of villagers lined up to get water.

1st Lt. Joshua Lim of the 51st Engineering Brigade, said the people were initially hesitant to drink the processed water that was taken from the murky waters of a nearby river.

“Watching the purification process closely, they were amazed to see that a miracle happened when the brownish-colored water taken from the river turned into safe drinking water,” he said. To assure residents that the processed water was safe, the soldiers and community leaders themselves drank it.

Soldiers at the forefront of search and relief operations will not get a break to celebrate New Year’s.

Maj. Gen. Victor Felix, 4ID commander, said they would continue to serve the residents of Cagayan de Oro even during New Year’s eve.
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Dona Z. Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TAPS

As I scanned the pages of the newspaper, my heart began to beat faster, and the feeling of dread was written all over me. There, in the lower part of the front page, it was written: "2 Dead in NPA Ambush in Quezon."

As I began to read the details, I couldn't believe my eyes. One of the names of the dead soldiers struck me as familiar, and suddenly, a feeling of numbness overcame my body.

It can't be. No, it's not him. A state of denial was prevalent in my mind, but as I read and re-read the lines of the newspaper, reality began to dawn on me.

Then a flashback of events long buried in the past came rushing back into my head.

He was my classmate, my buddy, and my best friend.

We both grew up in simple families in one of the remote barrios in the Bicol region.

We had been classmates and friends since childhood until our graduation from high school --then we went our separate ways.

While I went to Manila to pursue a degree in Medicine, he went to the Philippine Military Academy to be a fine soldier.

While I studied the science of saving lives, he mastered the art of killing.

While I went to the countryside for medical missions, he went there for search-and-destroy operations.

While I performed well at the operating table, he distinguished himself in the fields of battle.

Truly, our world had been a contradiction ever since we parted ways.

But our respect and belief in each other's conviction were never put in question.

That was evident in the long and countless hours of debate and discussion on any topic under the sun over a bottle of whiskey or gin during the few times that we were able to be with each other through the years.

For we know, deep in our hearts, that we are both doing the right thing for ourselves, for others, and for our country.

And to this, I salute you Capt. Nestor Mapa, my worthy adversary and my best friend.
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Bill Mitsuru T. Shimizu (December 3, 2001)
*Published in the Literary Section of the Sunday Times Magazine/ October 19, 2003 "We Strike and other soldier tales."

The Rifles under fire

Here's a 2008 video showing the 1st BN of the The Rifles in action in Musa-Qala, Afghanistan. In the video, elements of the said British Army's light infantry regiment came under an RPG attack. But instead of diving for cover and cowering in fear, the soldiers were shown laughing and joking with each other.

The Brits surely know how to handle the pressure and have fun even in dire situations on the battlefield.

Sorsogon general new military chief

Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, a former aide-de-camp to the late former President Corazon Aquino, has been named chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replacing General Eduardo Oban Jr., who retires Tuesday at the age of 56, three Cabinet officials and two senior military officers disclosed Sunday.

It was Dellosa who implemented “Oplan Daybreak” that led to the rescue of American missionary Gracia Burnham and the killing of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya nine years ago in Mindanao.

President Benigno Aquino III is expected to announce Monday the appointment of Dellosa, the head of the Northern Luzon (Nolcom) Command, to the top AFP post when the Commander in Chief addresses the troops during turnover rites at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Both Dellosa, who was born in Bacon, Sorsogon, and Oban, who is also from Sorsogon, belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1979.

“It’s Dellosa. He’s been the choice for some time now as far as I know,” a key Cabinet official said, speaking on condition that he not be identified as he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

The official said Dellosa was a great choice because of his reputation for “righting the wrongs” in the units he had led.

Another Cabinet official on Sunday night confirmed that Dellosa, described as mild-mannered and quiet, was the next AFP chief of staff.

“That’s what I hear unless there are changes at the last minute,” said the Cabinet official, who also did not want to be named for lack of authority to speak about the matter.

Still another Cabinet official, who is known to be close to the President, said Dellosa’s new appointment was “actually an open secret now within the AFP.”

Two military sources, both officers who serve under Dellosa’s command, said reports about the assumption of their commander to the top AFP post reached them on Sunday. They, however, declined to say how they got the report or who circulated the information.

43rd chief

Dellosa becomes the 43rd chief of staff of the 130,000-strong military in a formal change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo Monday.

Malacañang deferred announcing the incoming AFP chief of staff until the day itself of the turnover ceremony, keeping most of those in the AFP in suspense.

When Mr. Aquino appointed then General Ricardo David in July 2010 and Oban on March 7, Malacañang made the announcement before the formal turnover.

A decorated Army Scout Ranger officer, Dellosa is a recipient of numerous awards topped by a Distinguished Service Star, two Wounded Personnel Medals, two Gold Cross Medals, 39 Military Merit Medals, six Bronze Cross Medal, Long Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge Expert and Outstanding Achievement Medal.

Dellosa was appointed chief of Nolcom, which is based in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City, on July 22. As Nolcom chief, he commands all the military forces in northern and central areas of Luzon.

Before that, he was the commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division based in Tanay, Rizal, that was responsible for the capture of top New People’s Army commander, Tirso Alcantara, on July 28, 2010.

He also served as deputy commander of the AFP Central Command based in Cebu City, among his many command posts.

Special commander

From 1988 to 1992, Dellosa was group commander of the special reaction unit of the Presidential Security Group that defended Malacañang from a series of deadly coups d’etat.

He later became junior aide-de-camp to then President Corazon Aquino. The democracy icon took him as personal escort on critical occasions, including her peace pact with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army on Mt. Data in 1987.

Dellosa served as commanding officer of the 16th and 14th Scout Ranger (SR) Company, commandant of the SR Training School and commander of Task Group “Panther” from 1992 to 1997. He was commander of the 1st SR battalion in Basilan from 1997 to 1999.

As deputy task force commander and operations officer of Joint Task Force “Comet,” he implemented “Oplan Daybreak” that led to the rescue of Burnham from Abu Sayyaf bandits and the killing of Sabaya.

According to an officer, Dellosa sees “no victory” when the enemy suffers fatalities because in the aftermath, the killings “do more harm than good.”

The officer said Dellosa believed that using arms should be the last resort of any soldier. “He’s a soldier of peace,” the officer said.

From 2004 to 2007, Dellosa was the chief of staff of the 4th Infantry Division.

Then he served as deputy commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment and concurrently group commander of special Task Group Sulu that was instrumental in the neutralization of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Solaiman in January 2007.

Dellosa was named the PMA commandant of cadets in August 2007.

He underwent extensive military training as an infantry officer, intelligence officer, scuba diver, hostage rescuer, Scout Ranger and in airborne and antiterrorism courses.

First assignment

After graduation from the PMA, Dellosa was assigned in Jolo, Sulu, where he fought Moro rebels for three years and earned the coveted Outstanding Achievement Award for Military Operations awarded by the PMA Alumni Association in 1988.

Dellosa was born in Sorsogon on Jan. 20, 1957, but grew up in Lucena City.

Oban will step down a day ahead of his mandatory retirement on Dec. 13.

Only the fifth Air Force general to be the AFP chief of staff, Oban assumed office on March 7 at the height of the pabaon scandal that exposed multimillion peso slush fund enjoyed by former top military officials.

He vowed to stamp out corruption in the military and made fiscal and logistics reforms the cornerstone of his term. He also promised to hold himself and all officials accountable for the proper use of funds in light of allegation that funds were diverted for cash gifts or pabaon of retiring top officials.

His focus was on reforms, peace, modernization and morale and welfare.

Conversion

In a recent interview, Oban said he stopped the practice of “conversion” in which funds meant for certain supplies had been allowed to be converted to cash for exigency.

Asked if Oban would be appointed to a government post, Mr. Aquino’s spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, said he had not asked the President about it but acknowledged that Oban had “served very well” and he was “still young.”

“One of the biggest contributions of General Oban was being able to push through reforms in the AFP, especially in the use of their budget,” Lacierda said in an interview over state radio dzRB.

He also cited Oban’s “emphasis” on accountability and transparency in his nine-month stint as chief of staff which was “consistent with the President’s line.”

“But certainly his contributions to the AFP are very important, especially at a time when there was a scandal that preceded him. It was his leadership that allowed the AFP to recover its standing among the public,”’ Lacierda said.

By Christine O. Avendaño, Dona Z. Pazzibugan. Philippine Daily Inquirer. With reports from DJ Yap and Cathy Yamsuan in Manila; Ana Roa, Inquirer Research, and Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon

Scout Rangers: The legend continues

CAMP TECSON, San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines – Since its activation over six decades ago, the Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment has continuously produced a long list of heroes.

Trained and organized by the late Gen. Rafael Ileto, the Rangers are the first elite military force in the country.

In 1955, Ileto rose to become the first commander of the striking force, which specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.

Since the Hukbalahap campaigns in the 1950s, the “Musangs” (local term for Scout Rangers) had left an indelible mark in the Army’s operations.

Technical Sgt. Francisco Camacho and Corporal Weena Martillana were among those who emerged as legendary warriors during that time.

They were both awarded the Medal of Valor after a successful combat mission behind enemy lines, which killed a notorious Huk leader in December 1955.

In the 1970s, the Scout Rangers were deployed to participate in the government’s campaigns against the secessionist groups in Sulu where they found themselves in the thick of the fight.

During the Battle of Sibalu Hill on Nov. 26, 1972, the Scout Rangers proved their tenacity in combat as they seized the heavily fortified enemy camp together with a contingent of Marines.

In Central Mindanao, another group of Scout Rangers established themselves as a force to reckon with during a firefight with numerically superior enemy forces in 1974.

Led by 2nd Lt. Evelio Pugna, a seven-man team of Scout Rangers engaged a hundred rebels in the marshes of Libungan town, Cotabato.

Through their exemplary skills in small-unit tactics, the “Black Panthers” killed more than 40 rebels in heavy fighting which raged for hours.

Legend

The most popular Scout Ranger is the legendary Gen. Julius Javier, a native of Negros Occidental.

His daring exploits and unsurpassed combat accomplishments earned for him the moniker “Living Legend.”

Javier had survived at least three ambushes unscathed. People around him believed that he had an amulet that protected him from harm.

In December 1972, Javier and two others repulsed an overwhelming enemy force that ambushed the vehicle they were riding in as they reinforced a unit of the Marines who suffered numerous casualties in a firefight.

He was the only one who was untouched by the bullets whizzing around them.

His two buddies were wounded but were able to provide covering fire as he retrieved the others who were trapped in the middle of the engagement area.

Amid the hail of bullets, Javier carried six of his severely wounded comrades one after the other out of the kill zone. He also retrieved all the firearms despite the continuous hail of enemy fire.

“We leave no one behind. It is a sacred SOP (standing operating procedure) among the Scout Rangers,” said Javier, whose reputation as an invincible warrior was cemented by that heroic feat.

Respected warriors

Javier was widely known not only for his notable battle successes but also his ability to win the fight without using violence.

He led a seven-man team of Rangers who infiltrated the communist-infested areas in Real town, Quezon in 1974. Approaching unnoticed, Javier managed to capture eight rebels with their firearms without firing a single shot.

“We let them live out of respect for human life. Due to that incident, we left a lasting imprint in the minds of the enemies that the Rangers can reach them wherever they were,” said Javier, who once served as a commanding general of the expanded First Scout Ranger Regiment.

Operating in Basilan as a Battalion Commander in 1981, Javier received the most number of high-powered firearms when he convinced a commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to surrender with several of his followers.

Since then, the Scout Rangers earned the respect of different rebel groups. The enemies knew that the Rangers do not hesitate to pull the trigger when necessary.

Modern heroes

Through the years, the Scout Rangers continue to live up to the expectations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the country.

A number of Scout Rangers received the Medal for Valor Award, the highest award given to military personnel for conspicuous acts of courage and gallantry in combat.

Corporal Romualdo Rubi is among the distinguished living heroes. He single-handedly fought at least 100 heavily armed communist rebels that attacked a military detachment in Claver, Surigao del Norte on March 18, 1991.

Undaunted by the overwhelming enemy force, Rubi engaged the communist rebels in a firefight, killing several of them, including the notorious rebel named Commander Lima.

Four years later, then Captain Cirilito Sobejana of the 1st Scout Ranger Company was awarded the Medal of Valor after displaying exemplary leadership and courage under intense enemy fire during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf rebels in Basilan in 1995.

Though wounded severely in the arm, Sobejana continued to inspire his men to outmaneuver the enemy, thereby inflicting heavy casualties, including 30 dead rebels.

In 1996, Captain Robert Edward Lucero, the commanding officer of the 6th Scout Ranger Company, received the same award while fighting Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Carmen town in Cotabato.

Known as “Bakal” (steel) to his subordinates, Lucero was a fearless warrior who dared to confront numerically superior enemy forces on many occasions.

While defending the government’s infrastructure project in the area, Lucero paid the ultimate sacrifice but showed the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.

Several other Scout Rangers earned the highest military award in the year 2000 onwards. During the attack on Camp Abubakar and the combat-rescue missions in Basilan, more “Black Panthers” gained prominence when they joined the elite list of living heroes.

While there remain hardheaded lawless elements that victimize hapless civilians, the Scout Rangers are there to protect them.

As the cutting edge unit of the AFP, they are regularly sent to every trouble spot around the archipelago.



Rangers lead the way

Aside from Javier, several Scout Ranger officers became prominent leaders in the AFP.

Gen. Efren Abu, one of the heroes in southern Mindanao, became the Army chief and later, AFP chief of staff.

Lt. Gen. Jesse Dellosa, a veteran of Sulu and Basilan, currently heads the Northern Luzon Command.

Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali, who led the 1st Scout Ranger Company in several decisive battles against communist rebels in Northern Luzon, is the incumbent commander of the Southern Luzon Command.

Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes, a distinguished combat officer since his younger years, is the commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur.

The newly installed commanding general of the Philippine Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, is also known as the hero of Nava.

As a young captain, he led 14 Scout Rangers belonging to the 7th Scout Ranger Company, which battled a hundred communist rebels in Nava village, Hinulangan town in Leyte.

Despite being outnumbered, Bautista effectively dictated the situation due to his outstanding combat leadership.

The enemies suffered several casualties including 50 rebels killed, forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

The rebels were flushed out of the communities, freeing the people from the heavy burdens of paying extortion money to the oppressive bandits.

On Nov. 25, 2011, the First Scout Ranger Regiment embarks on another major milestone as it celebrates its 61st founding anniversary in its new home in Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Several of the living heroes and warrior-leaders, including the new Army chief, are expected at the event.
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*Maj. Harold Cabunoc/ The Philippine Star/ 11.26.2011
*Photo Credit: Vikingone's Blog