MILF Commander and Men Surrenders for Peace

Metro Manila is composed of cities where many depressed areas are found. One of these is Baseco, Tondo where the 1st squad, 2nd platoon of the 1st Community Organizing and Development Company led by 2LT JONATHAN F QUITEL conducts CMO operations. Baseco has already become a safe haven for illegal drug dealers, notorious criminals. An ideal hideaway possibly even for extremist terrorists in Metro Manila with an estimated total population of 25,000 people, 70% of whom are christians and the remaining are muslims.

Last 13 September 2007, a significant event in the barangay happened. Four (4) MILF members formerly with the 2nd Battalion, 201st Bde, MILF based in Camp Abubakar, Maguindanao voluntarily surrendered with their firearms to the CMO troopers in Tondo at the old barangay hall, Brgy 649, Baseco, Port Area, Manila. Bombay Dagandal, Abdillah Tagay, Rodin Pagabangan, and their former Ground Commander, Camisa G Baguilan aka “Jaron” were the rebels who surrendered. They also surrendered one (1) M16 with one long magazine, one (1) shotgun with two ammo; one (1) Thompson with one magazine; two (2) Cal 45 pistols with two magazines and fourteen (14) rounds ball ammo.

The act of the four MILF rebels to return to the fold of law is such a significant manifestation that the continuous CMO operations of the 1st Community Organizing and Development (CODE) Company in the area is very effective. Subsequently, the rebel returnees were turned over to Civil Military Operations Battalion of the Philippine Army for Custodial Interview.

The good community relations established by the troops with the residents of Baseco, coupled with the high degree of discipline earned the respect, trust, and confidence of the people. It is indeed true that winning the war does not necessarily require firing a single shot.