Army in Caraga vows to ensure safety, welfare of civilians in its AOR

By Joe Patrick Martinez

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Sept. 12 (PIA) - Following the attack of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) group in Zamboanga City, army leaders in Caraga region vowed to ensure safety and welfare of civilians in its area of responsibility.

402nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Ferdinand F Quidilla together with his three battalion commanders, 30th Infantry Batallion (IB) Commanding Officer Ltc Vincent Iringan, 29IB Commanding Officer Ltc Virgilio Luna, and 4th Scout Ranger Batallion Commanding Offcier Ltc Freddie Dela Cruz whose area of responsibility covers the whole province of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City said that the brigade will be more vigilant in its area.

In his recent coordination with the regional director of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA-13) and the regional director of the Philippine National Police-Regional Office 13 about the matter pertaining the security and stand of the authorities altogether, they emphasized the rule of law in any eventualities that might occur as far as MNLF movements is concerned.

"It is noted that the MNLF group here in CARAGA region had inherited the distinct characteristics of every Caraganons which is a peace-loving-people. But we would like to remind our brothers not to participate in any way that the Caraganons shall be involved or connected with any hostile attack that might ignite the fire in every people in this region against them," said OMA-13 regional director Engr. Yusoph M. Dianalan.

In close coordination with PNP-13 regional director PCSupt Getulio Napenas, Quidilla said the leadership of the 402nd Infantry Brigade emphasized that "in order to avoid confusions among the people, any civilians are not allowed to wear military uniforms or carry firearms. Ang PNP na aming sinusuportahan ay aarestuhin at kakasuhan kayo (The PNP supported by the army shall arrest you and put charges against you)."

Col. Quidilla said that he and PCSupt Napenas expect that the law regulating this matter shall be strictly observed. (402nd Brigade/PIA-Caraga)