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Army, Masons treat 100 IP students to first mall, cinema experience

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

FOR 100 Indigenous Peoples (IP) students from the Mindanao Tribal School, a weekend trip transformed into a milestone of firsts as they stepped out of their mountain communities and into a modern shopping mall and cinema for the very first time.

The milestone was made possible through the “Caring Hands, Helping Hearts” Masonic charity event held on June 27, 2026, at the Robinsons Valencia Atrium and Cinema in Valencia City. 

The initiative was spearheaded by the 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in close partnership with the Pedro B. Acosta Masonic Lodge No. 27 Valley of Bukidnon.

The one-day event aimed to bridge social divides and broaden the horizons of the IP youth, blending recreational joy with crucial community development, peace advocacy, and civic services.

For the young beneficiaries, the bustling visual landscape of the shopping mall and the immersive atmosphere of a commercial movie theater were completely novel experiences. 

The organizers treated the children to arcade games, food distribution, acoustic musical performances, and an exhibition of luxury vehicles displayed throughout the venue.

Maria Rhizza Pandian, a teacher at the Mindanao Tribal School, expressed profound gratitude to the military and civic organizers, highlighting the psychological and emotional impact of the initiative on the youth.

“We are deeply grateful that our school was chosen to take part in this meaningful activity,” Pandian said in the local dialect. “For most of our students, this was their first time entering a shopping mall and watching a movie in a cinema, and they will never forget this experience. You gave our children not only joy but also inspiration and memories they will carry with them as they grow.”

Beyond the entertainment, the 89IB utilized the massive gathering to implement a comprehensive peace and security awareness campaign.

 Army personnel conducted lectures aimed at safeguarding the vulnerable IP demographic, focusing specifically on exposing the deceptive recruitment tactics employed by the (CTG) in remote tribal areas.

To inspire the students toward public service, the battalion set up an Army Recruitment booth detailing enlistment qualifications, application procedures, and career tracks within the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 The troops also held live demonstrations of small unit tactics, showcased various operational military uniforms, and hosted a rappelling demonstration that drew cheers from the crowd.

The Masonic charity event also catered to the broader community by offering essential, free public services at the venue. Volunteers and partner agencies provided free medical and legal consultations, conducted a simultaneous bloodletting drive, and screened educational films alongside the entertainment lineup.

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News

10ID launches Inter-Agency Territorial and Civil Defense Exercise

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry (Agila) Division launched its Inter-Agency Territorial Defense and Civil Defense Operations Exercise in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on May 16, to bolster operational readiness and crisis coordination among government stakeholders within the Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila’s area of responsibility.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang served as the guest of honor and speaker for the opening ceremony.

The event drew a significant assembly of military leadership, local government executives, and civil defense authorities. Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan , Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, is leading the operational coordination for the provincial-level exercise.

The exercise spans nine days and features various capability development and simulation activities designed to synchronize the responses of the military, local government units and partner agencies to security threats, natural disasters, and other public welfare contingencies.

Major General Elmer Suderio, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3), praised the initiative, stressing that unity among stakeholders is critical to safeguarding national security.

In an interview, Major General Alvin Luzon, 10th Infantry Division commander, said the exercise reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment to a “whole-of-nation” approach. It is part of a strategic shift as JTF Agila increases its focus on external security operations.

“This is the first exercise of this scale conducted within Joint Task Force Agila,” Luzon said. “We intend to institutionalize and expand this initiative across provinces and eventually throughout the region. This is not purely military in nature; it integrates the vital participation of civilian agencies and local government units.”

The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; Governor Edwin Jubahib (Davao del Norte); Governor Raul Mabanglo (Davao de Oro); and director Eugenio Gepte Jr. (Office of Civil Defense Central Office).

The 10ID plans to gradually expand these exercises to its other two infantry brigades, eventually covering the entire Agila Division area.

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News

Balikatan 2026: U.S. Marines with MRF-D 26 conduct counter-landing live-fire exercise

by Contributor
written by Contributor

APORAWAN, Philippines – U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin participated in a combined counter-landing live-fire exercise alongside service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Australia Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force, April 27, 2026.

In the most expansive Balikatan to date, MRF-D Marines seamlessly integrated with allied and partner forces to showcase coordinated defensive operations to engage and destroy simulated enemy amphibious forces approaching the beach.

“This was great training for the Marines that I’m responsible for as a part of this,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. George Flynn, commanding officer of MRF-D 26. “That interoperability is critical. It just demonstrates what we can do together.”

The combined team kicked off the day’s events with the firing of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems engaging moving targets off the coast of Palawan. M252 81 mm mortar and M224 60 mm lightweight mortar systems fired rounds at designated target areas.

BGM 71 tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles and FGM 148 Javelin missiles engaged as the simulated enemy landing craft approached.

The MRF-D ground combat element, made up of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment with attached ground combat capabilities, provided suppressive fire across engagement zones from M2 .50-caliber heavy machine guns while their Philippine Marine Corps counterparts added artillery firepower to the coordinated defense, and low-altitude air defense systems countered threats from simulated enemy aircraft.

For the first time in the Philippines, the MRF-D GCE fired live payloads with a first-person view drone.The combined force used the advanced field artillery tactical data system to coordinate fires across the multinational force, ensuring deconfliction and maximum effectiveness.

Through this demonstration, the collective team highlighted the interoperability achieved through combined and joint planning.

By synchronizing weapons systems across multiple nations, from individual crew-served weapons to artillery batteries, the exercise showcased the lethality of the U.S., Philippine, Australian and New Zealand combined force during complex defensive operations.

“The integration of these capabilities is the cornerstone of how this is done,” said Flynn. “Just seeing the integration amongst our allies to work the clearance of airspace, the clearance of the maritime domain, and the clearance by fires in the land domain really set the mark for what can be done in defense of the Philippines.”

Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

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Community

10ID, YWAM mission reaches 10,000 Ata-Manobo residents in Talaingod 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

OVER 10,000 residents, primarily from the Ata-Manobo indigenous communities, received vital healthcare services during a three-day intensive medical and dental outreach in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

The initiative, held from April 15-17, 2026, in Barangay San Isidro, was spearheaded by Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Ships Philippines in close coordination with the 10th Infantry Division, the 60th Infantry Battalion, and the local government unit of Talaingod.

By the end of the mission, a total of 10,222 individuals had accessed free services, including medical and midwifery consultations, laboratory testing, dental procedures, wound care, and circumcisions. 

Essential medicines were also distributed to patients throughout the event.

The mission mobilized a diverse team of approximately 100 volunteer healthcare professionals from across the Philippines and overseas, specifically targeting geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where healthcare access is often limited by terrain and poverty.

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, praised the synergy between the military and civil society.

“We recognize the vital role of our partners in bringing essential services to our Indigenous Peoples’ communities,” Maj. Gen. Luzon said. “The Philippine Army remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve lives and bridge the gap for basic services in the most remote areas of the region.”

YWAM Ships Philippines, a humanitarian organization known for deploying medical professionals to isolated maritime and inland regions, focused not only on immediate treatment but also on long-term community capacity-building during the three-day window.

This massive turnout highlights the ongoing need for medical intervention in provincial regions and demonstrates the impact of robust civil-military partnerships in fostering inclusive development.

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News

NPA finance officer, another rebel killed in clash

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

A FIREFIGHT between communist guerrillas and the 30th Infantry Battalion troops led to the killing of two rebels, including a finance officer, in the mountainous terrain of Barangay San Roque, San Miguel town in Surigao del Sur on Friday, April 17.

The military identified the fatalities as Lucy Canda (alias Luis/Madi), the finance officer of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and Gia Miano (alias Plender/Moning), a member of the Regional Center of Gravidad (RSDG).

In the aftermath of the clash, their team leader, Jun Requina Jr. (alias Junjun), chose to surrender to the pursuing government troops.

Just two days prior, on April 15, the 75th Infantry Battalion clashed with the same group in Barangay Bolhoon, also in San Miguel, resulting in the death of a member identified as alias Keroy and the recovery of five high-powered firearms.

Further weakening the regional structure, a political instructor, alias Cyrus, surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Carmen, Surigao del Sur. 

Cyrus cited combat exhaustion and a lack of support from their former mass base as his primary reasons for surrendering.

Military officials credit the success of these operations to a shifting tide in local sentiment. 

Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel Annogui, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion, noted that communities are no longer receptive to the presence of the Communist Terrorist Group.

“The growing vigilance of residents and their timely reporting to authorities directly contributed to these successful operations,” Annogui said, adding that the group’s attempts to re-establish a foothold have been met with resistance from the locals.

Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, praised the synergy between the military and the civilian populace. He confirmed that they are now focusing their efforts on the remaining eight armed members identified in the Caraga Region.

“The door remains open for those who choose the path to peace,” Anayron said. “We urge the remaining members to abandon the armed struggle and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs before it is too late.”

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News

High alert 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • Davao City activates crisis center for OFW families; AFP gears up amid Middle East conflict

THE CITY government moved swiftly to prepare ample support for the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who may be caught in the crossfire as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

Davao City Information Office head Harvey James Lanticse announced on March 2, 2026, that the Davao City OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center is now closely monitoring the situation to provide immediate assistance to “left-behind” families.

How to access assistance

Families concerned about their relatives in the Middle East are encouraged to contact the city’s dedicated welfare center through the following channels:

  • 24/7 Hotline: 0962-996-6520
  • Landline: (082) 225-6214
  • Email: ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com
  • Facebook: OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center Davao City

The city’s activation of these services coincides with the national directive to ensure all government agencies are ready to assist Filipino lives and uphold national security as the global situation evolves.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on heightened monitoring status as tensions escalate in the Middle East, but it assured the public that while there is no “credible direct threat” to Philippine territory, national security forces are prepared for large-scale repatriation and crisis response.

In an official statement released on March 1, 2026, the AFP confirmed it is working in close coordination with the Department of National Defense and various civilian agencies to track developments overseas. 

The military emphasized that national security conditions remain stable, but urged citizens to rely only on verified government sources to combat potential disinformation.

“The AFP stands ready to augment possible repatriation and crisis response efforts for Filipinos in affected areas, when directed,” the statement read, reinforcing the military’s commitment to the government’s “whole-of-nation” protection strategy.

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News

Quezon town gains ‘peace’ status

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MUNICIPALITY of Quezon in Bukidnon was formally declared insurgency-free during a landmark ceremony on Dec. 19, 2025.

The declaration was the result of a collaborative effort between the Quezon local government unit, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Leading the ground operations was the 89th Infantry (MAKATAO) Battalion, under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade. 

Guided by Lt. Col. Antonio G. Bulao I, the battalion combined tactical security operations with community engagement to dismantle insurgent influence, ultimately leading the community to declare the CPP-NPA persona non grata.

Mayor Pablo “Poling” Lorenzo III highlighted the success of livelihood programs and social services that helped “friends rescued” (former rebels) reintegrate into society.

“The insurgency-free status is protected by clear safeguards, including the continued presence and vigilance of 89IB troops,” Lorenzo emphasized.

Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, assured residents that the military’s mission does not end with the declaration. “Our troops remain present, ready, and responsive,” he stated.

Consolidating regional security

Quezon now joins a growing list of cleared areas in the region, including:

Municipalities: San Fernando, Kadingilan, Damulog, Kitaotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe, Don Carlos, and Maramag.

Cities: Valencia City.

This achievement follows the 2022 declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free and the subsequent expansion of the 10ID’s responsibility into Southern Bukidnon in March 2023. 

Operations by the 48th, 56th, and 89th Infantry Battalions were instrumental in dismantling the SRSDG “Peddler” and the Weakened Guerrilla Front (WGF) 57.

MGen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, noted that the focus has now shifted to security consolidation.

“Our focus now is to sustain peace and prevent the return of armed groups,” Luzon said, underscoring the importance of continued delivery of basic services and community engagement.

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News

EastMinCom marks Marawi liberation anniversary, hails ‘profound test of courage and unity’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Monday, Oct. 20, joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in commemorating the 8th Anniversary of the Marawi Liberation, remembering the crisis not just as a victory, but as a “profound test of courage, unity, and patriotism.”

The solemn flag-raising ceremony, held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City, featured EastMinCom’s leadership paying tribute to the heroism and resilience that defined the 2017 siege and its aftermath.

The event, held under the theme “Marawi 8: Sa Tapang, Sa Pagbangon, Sa Kapayapaan”, saw Lt. Gen. Luis Rex D. Bergante, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, lead the proceedings.

Bergante delivered the message of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who reflected on the defining chapter in Philippine history. 

The message stressed that the battle was not only waged on the streets but was a crucial test for the nation’s unified spirit.

“We honor the valor and sacrifice of our soldiers, police, and reservists, heroes who laid down their lives so that future generations may live freely,” the message stated. “Their courage changed the course of history, and their sacrifice paved the path from destruction to renewal.”

Partnership for lasting peace

The statement further highlighted the critical role played by the local population in Marawi’s recovery, emphasizing their resilience and cooperation in rebuilding the city.

“The people of Marawi chose peace over anger, unity over division, and hope over despair,” the AFP Chief’s message continued. 

“The government, on the other hand, committed itself to providing security, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development programs… This partnership between the people and the government is the foundation of lasting peace.”

Also participating in the ceremony were Commodore Dwight Steven M. Dulnoan, EastMinCom deputy commander, and Capt. Archibold Dino C. Delfin, deputy commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, alongside EastMinCom’s officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian staff.

The event reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to protecting the freedom and peace secured by the sacrifices made during the 2017 crisis.

Photo courtesy of EastMinCom 

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AFP denies threatening to remove military pension

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has condemned the circulation of what it calls “false and misleading content,” alleging that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has threatened to remove the AFP pension.

The AFP categorically stated that the viral claim is baseless, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.

“The AFP categorically states that there is no such directive, statement, or policy from the President or any government agency,” the agency said in a statement. 

“On the contrary, the administration has consistently expressed its fullest support for our men and women in uniform, including the protection and sustainability of their pension and benefits.”

The AFP said the pension of a retired military personnel is protected under existing laws. It is considered an earned benefit resulting from at least 20 years of faithful, honorable, and dedicated service to the nation.

Under the law, a retired soldier’s pension may only be forfeited if he or she is convicted of a crime, following due process and a final judgment of a competent court. No official can arbitrarily remove or withhold such a pension.

AFP warns retirees of possible sanctions

While denying the threat from the President, the AFP is simultaneously cautioning retired officials and personnel who are spreading false information or inciting rebellion administration that they risk losing their monthly pension.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said withholding pension is among the possible sanctions the military may impose on retired officers who have been making seditious or false statements against the government.

Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Padilla noted that another possibility is subjecting them to court-martial proceedings, even though the retirees are already technically civilians.

“They’re categorized as civilians and they’re receiving a pension, so we’ll see how this will fall into play,” Padilla said.

Padilla added that they have been monitoring some retired military officers who have amplified their attacks on their social media accounts, particularly after the President exposed alleged anomalies in flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Photo from AFP

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Opinion

ROUGH CUTS | Fast becoming smugglers’ haven?

by Vic Sumalinog
written by Vic Sumalinog

LOCAL officials have warned the public of the proliferation of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in this part of the Davao Region, if not of the whole of Mindanao. 

Why has, in the first place, there is a sudden increase in smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes? What are our law enforcers doing that smugglers and counterfeiters are getting bolder and bolder to the point that they seem to have enough freedom to move their illegal merchandise?

Yes, for the past months we have monitored elements of the Philippine Coast Guard having intercepted shipments of smuggled cigarettes and policemen confiscating counterfeits.

While these are clear indicators of the successes of certain law enforcement groups, the frequency of interceptions and confiscations only show that there are ready suppliers of the merchandise. And we cannot fault some people if they think that there may exist a connivance between some ranking law enforcers and big-time smugglers and suppliers of counterfeit cigarettes in the city.

We do not wish to assume that the cooperation between the local government officials and the law enforcement groups, more specifically the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is still tinted with the political enmity now existing between the national administration and the Davao City-based Duterte-led (former President Rody and her daughter VP Sara) opposition.

The police is the primary group that had been blamed in the controversial arrest of close Duterte ally Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, and the former President’s arrest and hauling to the Netherlands, supposedly in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Yes, one very difficult thing to do is to restore trust to any person or even organization once it is lost due to very valid reasons.

As a consequence, certain aspects in governance and delivery of government services have to suffer. And there are scheming people or groups that are quick to take advantage of the situation. Illegal drug merchants, smugglers, and counterfeiters are among them.

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Some sectors are claiming that there are also “ghost projects” being undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Of course, the AFP is quick to deny the allegations. And we are inclined to believe the Armed Forces. Why, because its budget is hardly enough to sustain its operation and for the payment of soldiers’ pay. Besides, if there are big projects like purchase of war planes, naval boats, or war tanks and artillery, usually these are on a government-to-government transaction.

These transactions are normally rigidly scrutinized by the supplier government even if the product or products are manufactured by private industries in that country.

And one allegation of this kind supposedly entered into by the Philippines with the South Korean industry guaranteed by its government that was strongly denied by those concerned was the military’s purchase of a frigate during the previous administration.

So, what possible military projects that can be “ghosted” just to benefit some high-ranking AFP officials?

                                                         ******************************

Is the City Government of Davao sending materials and other relief assistance to the earthquake hit Davao Oriental just like what it did to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo, Cebu? We share the hope of many others, especially the residents of the most badly affected municipalities of that Eastern Davao Province because not only are they fellow Davaoeños but these areas are much nearer and accessible from Davao City.

So far, it has been four days since the strong temblor struck but we have not seen a convoy of vehicles representing the city government proceeding to Davao Oriental for the purpose. The person that has visited Davao Oriental with trademark Davao City is Vice President Sara Duterte. But she was representing her office – the OVP.

Has Davao City exhausted its relief resources in its mission to Bogo, Cebu that, so far, it has not made any pronouncement of a Davao Oriental caravan to distribute assistance?

Anyhow, no matter how fast or slow the assistance be delivered to the intended beneficiaries, it would still be most welcome by the residents who are presently suffering from deprivation and lack of livable shelter.

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