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6 T H I N F A N T R Y D I V I S I O N , P H I L I P P I N E A R M Y

Volume VIII, Issue No. 6 June 1-30, 2014 SANDIGAN NG KAPAYAPAAN AT KAUNLARAN SA CENTRAL MINDANAO

6ID recovers firearms from BIFF’s lair

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300 aspiring Candidate Soldiers take oath

1

GMA Kapuso Foundation with 33IB, 45IB organizes school supplies distribution

2

45IB participates in ‘Grand Kanduli’ with the IPs

3

Unifier Brigade conducts Peace Advocacy Symposium

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Troops… People… Places… Events

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6ID welcomes new Assistant Division Commander

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Lt Colonel Manalo assumes command of Dental Detachment in 6ID

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45IB troops seize BIFF’s lair in Maguindanao

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Essence & Benefits of Ramadan

7

Health Tips 8

Inside this issue:

Quote D o t h e difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

- LAO TZU_

6ID recovers firearms from BIFF’s lair

C amp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao – An accounting of the

recovered firearms and equipment was conducted after the encounter between 6ID troops and undetermined number of BIFF members at Brgy Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao last June 10, 2014. On June 08, 2014, the BIFF harassed the Headquarters of 61st Recon Company at Brgy Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao that resulted to the wounding of 1 soldier. Said group is also responsible for the harassment of MNLF community at Brgy Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Jun 09, 2014 wounding a 35-yr old female Saida Lakim of same barangay.

In coordination with the CCCH and PNP, the 6ID conducted pursuit/law enforcement operation to capture the perpetuators that spoil the peace in the area. The operation was also bent to thwart and prevent these lawless elements from

further conducting atrocities in the area. On June 10, at about 5:48 in the

morning, 6ID troops encountered BIFF elements while patrolling in the area of Brgy Libutan, Mamasapano. It resulted to the capture of BIFF’s encampment and the recovery of a Barret Sniper Rifle, three (3) M16 Rifles, IEDs and other components in IED-making, one (1) Toyota Grandia vehicle (suspected to be carnapped), seven (7) motorcycles and two (2) body counts (identity is still being determined by local officials) and numerous subversive documents.

6ID Commander Brig Gen Pangilinan said that the Kampilan Division will remain committed to uphold the primacy of the peace process. However; hard stance will be taken against those who do not want peace and will seriously enforce the rule of law to those lawless elements committing terror acts.

300 aspiring Candidate Soldiers take oath

A fter the series of thorough examinations and rigid screening, 300 hopeful young men and

women were qualified to become Candidate Soldiers out of thousands who aspired to join the Philippine Army through the 6th Infantry Division. The 300 Candidate Soldiers took oath on June 20, 2014 at 6th Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, in which 285 are males and 18 are females. They came from the different provinces of Mindanao and majority of them are from North Cotabato. Some

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are from Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat Davao, Bukidnon, Agusan, and Sorsogon. The 6th Infantry Division had conducted examinations and screening to the applicants to ensure that the standards of recruitment process are maintained and the guidelines that measure the readiness of qualified soldiers are followed. After their oath-taking, the Candidate Soldiers will face rigid and vigorous training that will equip them with skills and capabilities to be an effective soldier. Males will approximately train for 6 months while the females will train for 3 months. It is worthy to note that this will be the first in the history of 6ID to conduct training that manifests its facilities readiness when it comes to training female candidate soldiers. 6DTS Commandant, Col Bernie S. Langub asked for the cooperation of the parents and guardians not to distract them during their training. He assured them that the training committee will strictly follow the training rules and regulations.

GMA Kapuso Foundation with 33IB and 45IB organize school supplies distribution

33 rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion – The GMA Kapuso Foundation partnered with the 33IB as they

welcomed the new school year by providing free school supplies to the pupils of Paaralang Sentral ng M. Adil in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao last June 07, 2014. GMA Kapuso Foundation, led by its Project Officers Ms Lydia Abella and Ms Maria Cristina Dungca, initiated the “Unang Hakbang Para sa Kinabukasan” Program. This is the yearly initiative of the foundation for incoming Grade 1 students from poor and remote public elementary schools nationwide where they give backpacks with complete set of school materials, which aims to promote education through donation.

As part of their mission, the Philippine Army is continuously providing utmost support and assistance particularly in the remote, highly impoverished and conflict-affected communities.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation and 33IB Battalion journeyed to Datu Paglas to conduct its yearly school opening project. Upon arrival to the beneficiary schools, huge smiles were visible on the faces of exuberant and excited Grade 1 pupils and patiently waited as they glanced at the military vehicle loaded with sacks of gifts for them. Also present in the activity were the respective school officials and representatives of the local government unit. The distribution of school supplies began at Bunawan Elementary School, Datang, Filasol Pilot School, Kalumenga Elementary School, M.Adil Central Elementary School, M. Andang

Elementary School, Napok Elementary School, and Salendad Elementary School that benefited 335 Grade 1 pupils. Principals from different beneficiary schools expressed their deep gratitude to the Foundation for choosing their schools as this year’s recipients. They rest assured that the bags and school supplies will be maximized in their use by the students. On the other hand, Ms. Dungca advised the students to study hard using the simple gifts which will lead them to a path that carries education, the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

45 th Infantry (Gallant) Battalion – The nationwide project of the GMA Kapuso Foundation with a

theme,“Unang Hakbang Para sa Kinabukasan carried out the distribution of school supplies to the indigent Maguindanaoan pupils of Mamasapano, Maguindanao last June 08, 2014 at Municipal Gymnasium in tandem with the 45IB. The school supplies were distributed to chosen beneficiary Grade 1 pupils in the 8 different elementary/primary schools of Mamasapano (North and South District) namely: DatuTahir Ampatuan Elementary School; Tuka Elementary School; Assy. Masukat Primary School; H. Salik Elementary School; Pidsandawan Elementary School; Lusay Elementary School; Tatak Elementary School; and Pimbalakan Elementary School, all of Mamasapano, Maguindanao were benefited in the project. (Continue on next page)

The 6ID is very optimistic the Candidate Soldiers that will soon join the Philippine Army will contribute mainly in the peace and development initiatives in Central Mindanao and to the country.

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The distribution of school supplies was facilitated by the GMA Kapuso Foundation headed by Project Coordinator Ms. Cristina Dungca with the soldiers of 45IB. The activity was also

participated by the school officials and parents of the chosen schools, local government unit of Mamasapano headed by Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan. The 45IB Executive Officer Maj. Abdulbasher D. Bongcarawan, representing the Commanding Officer, emphasized the importance of “Bayanihan”of all stakeholders and the full support of the military particularly in all programs and projects in the area that will benefit specially the indigent children. Ms. Dungca, Mayor Ampatuan and the Heads of DepEd-Mamasapano-North and South District also extended their gratitude to the unit for the effort afforded to the project.

The distributed school supplies comprised 1 School Bag; 7 pieces notebooks, 2 pads of paper,1 box of Crayon, 1 sharpener, and 1 eraser.

45IB participates in ‘Grand Kanduli’ with the IPs

A remarkable and successful 2-day “Grand Kanduli” was con-ducted at Hill 224 Sitio Kyamko, Brgy. Maitumaig, Datu Unsay,

Maguindanao on May 27 and 28 this year with series of activities participated by the Indigenous Peoples (IPs)of the Tiduray Tribes coming from the different places in Maguindanao. The 2-day activity was anchored on the theme “Submission of Declaration and Position Paper of Mao Descendants Ancestral Domain Claimants” (MADAADCO)”. It focused on the issue to return to the IPs their land territories at Ferris Complex. The activity was attended by the members of Bangsamaro Transition Commission (BTC) headed by Commissioner Timuay-Melanio Ulama; Office for the Southern Cultural Communities -ARMM headed by Director Fatima Kanakan; Mao Descendants Ancestral Domain Claimants Organization (MADADCO); National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) headed by Rene Batitao,

Legal Officer NCIP-X11; Provincial Government of Maguindanao headed by Board Member Romino Ariston; Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative; Atty. Haron Meling of MILF Panel; and LGU of Datu Saudi Ampatuan headed by Mayor Samsudin Dimau-kom.

45IB Commander Lt Colonel Donald P. Hongitan con-veyed the unit’s support in his message particularly on the issue of IPs on security aspects as part of the jurisdiction of the 45IB. He also emphasized the importance of peace, education and develop-ment in the area.

During the program, the IPs performed an intermission of Tiduray cultural dance. Lt. Colonel Hongitan and Mayor Di-maukom also joined the IPs during their dance.

The activity was successfully conducted and coopera-tively attended by 200 IPs in Maguindanao with the 45IB providing security and transportation assistance.

Unifier Brigade conducts Peace Advocacy Symposium

I n the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade joined the entire Muslim community

in the noble celebration through Peace Advocacy Symposium in the different secondary schools within the unit’s area of responsibility (AOR) on June 17 and 19, 2014. The Unifier Brigade and its operationally controlled units (33Infantry Battalion, Alpha Battery of 6thField Artillery Battalion, and 61st CMO Company of 6th CMO Battalion) conducted series of Peace Advocacy Symposia with Uztadz Abdul Wahid I. Sumaoang as resource speaker.

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6ID welcomes new Assistant Division Commander

B rig General Manolito P. Orense assumed as the new As-sistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry Division on

June 19, replacing Brig General Romeo G. Gan, who is now the Commander of Civil Relations Group of the AFP. Brig General Orense was the Commander of 603rd Infantry Brigade based in Camp Iranun, Brgy. Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao prior to his current designation. In his message, Brig General Orense thanked the

6ID troops for the warm welcome as he put emphasis on sustaining the peace gains of the peace process. He said that he was not new to 6ID since he had been assigned in the area several times. “I have witness the 6ID from war to peace,” he said. The Assistant Division Commander is also the Human Rights Officer of the Division and Chief of the Office Ethical Standards and Public Accountability.

Lt Colonel Manalo assumes command of Dental Detachment in 6ID

L t Colonel Michael B. Manalo assumed as a Commanding Officer of Dental Detachment of Camp Siongco Station

Hospital. He replaced Maj Dennis B. Javier in a simple Change of Office Ceremony at the Hall of Flags in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on June 26, 2014. The ceremony was presided by Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 Lt Colonel Joel Y. Abregana wad was attended by the Officers and Enlisted Personnel of Dental Detachment, General and Technical Staff, and Commanders of Post and Tenant Units. Maj Javier thanked his personnel for the support and cooperation given to him during his tenure. Lt Colonel Manalo,

on the other hand, vowed to serve the unit with professionalism, sense of conviction, dedication and integrity. Lt Colonel Abregana conferred the award of Military Merit Medal to Maj Javier for his services rendered as the Commanding Officer of Dental Detachment from August 16, 2013 to June 16, 2014.

On June 17, the symposium was held at Campo National High School and Paglat National High School, both in Paglat, Maguindanao.

Lastly, on June 19, Bai Tembabay National High School in Gen. SK Pendatun and Pandag National High School in Pandag, both of Maguindanao Province, were the chosen venues for the conduct of symposium.

Uztadz Sumaoang centered his topic on the origin of Islam and its culture, values formation and role of the youth sector in peace and development. He explained the essence of Ramadhan as a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world.

The Unifier Brigade also showed a video presentation on disaster preparedness for awareness especially on calamity prone areas. The School Principals and its faculties expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Brigade for initiating an activity that nurtures the students to be more dynamic citizens in pursuit of peace and development.

601st Brigade Commander Colonel Melquiades L.. Feliciano said that achieving a just and lasting peace does not call for a purely military solution. “It entails collective commitment, cooperation, and meaningful participation of all stakeholders anchored on a common perspective that peace and development are inseparable,” he added.

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45IB troops seize BIFF’s lair in Maguindanao

J oint operating troops of 45th Infantry Battalion and 14th Mechanized Infantry Company assaulted the BIFF’s lair during

the conduct of law enforcement operations at Sitio Pulutan, Brgy Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on June 10, 2014 at around 05:45 in the morning following series of attacks in Maguindanao. The BIFF had known to forged alliance with Abdul Bassit Usman, a known Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomb expert and among the Philippines and United States most wanted terrorist. The group was responsible for the attack of military that resulted in killing one of the soldier of 1st Mechanized Brigade and several other wounded personnel through an improvised explosive device (IED). The operating troops seized and overrun the sanctuary following a firefight with more or less 25 fully armed BIFF and terrorist group under Usman for about 45 minutes. The armed group withdrew towards southwest direction when they were overpowered by the government troops. After scouring the area, the troops recovered the following: mortar; baret sniper rifle; armalite rifles; grenade launcher; ammunitions bomb-making explosion devices/materials; detonating cords; cell phones; and laptop. They also found motorcycles and a van believed to be carpnapped.

Two (2) died in the encounter from the rebel group while no casualties on the government side. Usman is believed to have sustained a wound on his shoulder where traces of blood stains were found inside his house before he managed to escape. The troops also captured four (4) females, who are suspected as wives of Usman and his group in one of the camp hutment near the encounter site. The recovered items were brought and turned over to 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Gener P. Del Rosario at Old Capitol Compound, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao for proper documentation and disposition. The newly installed Commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Edmundo R. Pangilinan, immediately went to the Headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and personally congratulated the Gallant troopers for the great accomplishment and a job well done.

Essence & Benefits of Ramadan By CPT MUJIB L LADJABUAN CHS (PA)

R amadan — the holy month is here. A month of reflection, devotion, sacrifice and of course, fasting. Make this month

more spiritually rewarding by learning more about its benefits and applying the lessons learned during this time throughout the coming year. Fasting involves both physical and psychological abstinence. It is required that the individual has to give up food, drink and sexual relations and has to restrain himslef from all forms of lying, back biting, slander, etc. This is confirmed by the prophets statement,” Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain himself from telling lies and acting on them even while observing the fast. We have to admit ultimately that we are powerless. Without the help of Allah, we cannot change anything. Therefore, we have to accept Allah in our lives as the only power who can help us. As the Prophet (pbuh) often used to say,”Laa hawla wa

laa quwwata illaa billaah (There is not change or power except by the will of Allah)”. Al-Samee’ (the All-Hearing). Attribute Names of Allah. He hears all our prayers and needs no intermediary to carry our prayers to Him. Allah said, “Call on Me and I will answer you.” (Qur’an,40:60) To call on others in prayer (whether prophets, angels, or the righteous) besides Him or along with Him is an insult to this divine attribute and an act of Shirk. If Allah pushes you to the edge of difficulty, be patient and trust in Him fully because one of two good things happen; either He will catch you when you fall or He'll teach you how to fly. There is always a way out, as Allah said, “Allah will make an exit for whoever fears His displeasure, and provide for him from where he would least expect it.” (Qur’aan,65:3.) If you want Allah, help, help your brothers and sisters, as the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Allah will continue to help His servants as long as they help their brothers and sisters.” (Saheeh Muslim)

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Editorial Board

BGEN EDMUNDO R PANGILINAN AFP Chairman

BGEN MANOLITO P ORENSE AFP

Vice-Chairman

Members

COL ROSELLER G MURILLO INF (GSC) PA Chief of Staff

COL DICKSON P HERMOSO (INF) GSC PA

Inspector General

LTC JOEL Y ABREGANA (INF) GSC PA Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1

LTC DANILO D BENAVIDES (MI) GSC PA

Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G2

LTC ALLAN D HAMBALA (INF) GSC PA Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3

LTC JOEL Q MAMON (INF) GSC PA

Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, G4

LTC HARON S AKAZ (INF) GSC PA Assistant Chief of Staff for CEIS, G6

MAJ RODNIE I CORONADO (CE) PA

Officer-in-Charge G7

LTC RICKY P BUNAYOG (INF) GSC PA Assistant Chief of Staff for Education & Training, G8

Editorial Staff

MAJ DANTE R GANIA (INF) PA Editor-in-Chief

2LT ANNIE LOURAINE CADAPAN (AGS) PA

Associate Editor

Ms Jessamine Margaret N Loneza Editorial Assistant

Pfc Janice Saavedra (EW) PA

Lay-Out Artist

PFC Frankie A. Geca (Inf) PA Photographers

PFC Geraldo D Digdigan (Inf) PA

Circulation NCO

6TH INFANTRY DIVISION, PA Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao

Tips to Prevent Uric Acid Disease/Gout

Some of these tips can help prevent an increase in uric acid in the blood. These tips include changes in lifestyle and diet that should be regularly and strictly followed. 1. Reduce weight If overweight, reduce gradually, because losing weight can help lower uric acid levels. But avoid excessively strict diet, follow a healthy diet here. Losing weight drastically with excessive dieting may precipitate an attack of gout. That’s great if accompanied with regular exercise. 2. Eat Foods Low Purine (Diet Low Purine) Purine is an organic component that causes gout. These substances are needed in the body to normal limits are met. Restrict foods high in purines: organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart; selected fish and shellfish; meat & yeast extracts brewers and bakers yeast; Meat soups & stock cubes; and foods that can cause gout such as beans, mushrooms, cooked spinach, and mustard greens, goat meat, offal and lard (fat), shellfish, duck and turkey, salmon, mackerel, sardines, crab, shrimp , anchovy and some other fish, cream and ice cream, and sweet bread. It should be remembered that the sensitivity of a person to be exposed to uric acid after eating these foods will vary. 3. Increase Water Consumption Approximately 90% of gout is caused by the inability of the kidneys to remove uric acid from the body completely through urine. Water consumption is believed to improve the disposal of substances that are not useful as excessive uric acid from the body. Drink at least 8 glasses a day. 4. Expand Food Containing Calcium and High Antioxidant Eating calcium-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits such as bananas, potatoes, avocados, milk and yogurt. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C, especially citrus and strawberry. 5. Avoid Alcohol and Soft Drink Consumption Alcohol can lead to increased production of uric acid, while soft drink consumption may inhibit the absorption of calcium and calcium even throw in vain. 6. Limit your consumption of fried food Fats and oils turn rancid at high temperatures such as in frying time. Moreover, if the used oil is oil that is used repeatedly. Rancid fats which can quickly destroy vitamin E and causes an increase in uric acid in the blood. 7. Increase Sexual Activity These tips are more appropriate for those who have become husband and wife. Sexual activity, such as a kiss can make the body become more relaxed, so easy to boost the immune system. In addition, sexual intercourse can facilitate the production of urine so it can reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood. 8. Try Natural Remedy for Gouty Arthritis Bromelain derived from pineapple, is an effective and suitable alternative to stronger prescription anti-inflammatory agents used in gout treatments. Bromelain can act to reduce inflammation and combat high uric acid levels in the blood. It decreases inflammation which is the main reason for gout pain. The inflammation occurs when uric acid crystallizes in the joints causing irritation and swelling. Celery is a natural substance which may inhibit xanthenes oxidase - thus inhibits the enzyme which is responsible for a major step in converting purines into uric acid in the liver, so less uric acid is produced. Celery can lower uric acid levels by improving its excretion in urine. Furthermore, as a diuretic, it acts to reduce blood pressure which is important for gout sufferers because high blood pressure frequently accompanies gout.