By Lou Ellen Antonio

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte (PIA) – The Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion here reiterated its commitment to defeat the terror groups and end the insurgency in the region and the whole of Mindanao.

Kalasag Battalion commander LtCol. Joseph Marlon Famoso emphasized that they will eliminate the terrorists through negotiations if not in combat operations. 

“Kami sa armadong kusog, gapaningkamot sa pagkunhod sa mga kaaway sa estado pinaagi sa negosasyon kung dili man sa mga combat operations,” he said. 

[We in the armed forces, will try to reduce the enemies of the state through negotiation if not in combat operations.]

Famoso also said that the recent surrender of alias “Akki”, a 14-year-old child member of Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) symbolizes the trust in the Philippine Army and the government. He also emphasized that with the support of the community, peace will be achieved.

“Kining pagsurrender ni "Akki", magpamatuod sa taas nga lebel sa pagsalig nga atong naangkon diri sa probinsya sa Lanao del Norte. Uban sa popular nga suporta sa atong katawhan, kanunay kita nga mudaog batok sa mga kaaway sa atong gobyerno,”he said.

This surrender of “Akki”, will prove the high level of trust we have here in the province of Lanao del Norte. With the support of our people, we will always stand up against the enemies of our government.]

Famoso also shared that they still have not received information that DI-MG will be a big threat to the upcoming elections. According to him, the group spread to various areas after the encounter in Maguing, Lanao del Sur. 

The Kalasag Battalion commander shared that they continuously conduct Focused Military Operations whenever they have verified a solid intel. Moreover, they constantly engage with other stakeholders such as the local government units for civil-military operations.

Famoso also called on the supporters or members of the DI-MG to surrender and maximize the remaining time of the Duterte administration as many programs are being offered to them. (LELA/PIA Lanao del Norte)