Remembering 2000 Lanao Campaign (March 15, 2000)

[balipseyev]

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BREACHING THE BLOODIEST HIGHWAY

The battle of Narciso Ramos Highway outshined all offensives in the annals of the AFP's recent history. It was perhaps the fiercest of all the military operations launched in this campaign. The sheer number of casualties on both the enemy and the government side, and the volume of recovered firearms, speak for it. The treacherous highway links the Lanao and Maguindanao Provinces and meets up to Brgy Langkong, the "Arterial Gateway to Camp Abubakar". Controlled by the MILF for years, extortion activities flourished in this place. By April 27,2000, preparations were up to clear the whole stretch. The concept of maneuver adopted a "Double - Spearhead Assault" coming from both ends of the stretch. Emanating from 6th ID area, the 3rd Marine Brigade under BGEN BUENAVENTURA AFP, pushed their way towards the provincial boarder, while the 1st Marine Brigade from the 4ID area breached through the rear in order to crush the enemy from two fronts.. For three long weeks, the Marines ferociously fought running gun battles, employing mechanized-infantry assaults coupled with special operations. From the 1st Marine Brigade's side, MBLT-4 led the frontal onslaught along the highway while MBLTs 1 and 10 assaulted Mt Cabugao, the critical terrain that overlooked the stretch. Meanwhile from the 3rd Marine Brigade's side, the operating force consisted of four Marine Battalions. Scout snipers were called in, thus inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy with extreme lethality. Consequently, the 2nd Marine Brigade under COL MIRANDA PN(M)(GSC), braced up for the escalation of terroristic activities in the cities and key installations. On the first day of the operations, an inexorable resistance in the vicinity of Brgy. Igabay immediately met the 4th Marine Battalion. At about the same time, the two Marine battalions tasked to assault Mt. Cabugao were heavily engaged. Apparently, the MILF held their ground, possibly expecting a half-hearted attempt to retake their positions. But the Marines of the 1st Marine Brigade were determined to assert their push, fighting fierce uphill battles that forced them to fight intensely. At the highway, the encounter raged with fury as RPGs, B-40 rockets, mortar barrages and heavy machinegun fires raked the positions of MBLT4 and elements of 73rd Light Armor Company. For the next eight hours, the encounter to retake the highway was done. By sunset the headquarters of the 4th Brigade National Guard Division MILF-BIAF fell. The clash left fifty-two casualties on the enemy side including the MILF 4th NGD brigade commander, and a cache of high-powered firearms captured. As daylight broke, the Marines discovered the sprawling abandoned fortified trenches of the MILF and the cache of weapons that were left behind. Meanwhile, at Mt Cabugao, the Marines fought ferociously, knowing that the progress of their movement at the hill would dictate the tempo of the operations at the highway proper. As the enemy cunningly established layers of fortified bunkers and trenches along its slopes and ridges, the effort to assault Mt. Cabugao became a bloody ordeal and challenge to the troops. Undaunted by the seemingly insurmountable barriers, the 1st and 10th Marine Battalions fought with unrelenting resolve, taking down the enemy's fighting positions and eventually securing the flanks of MBLT-4 in a classic team-effort maneuver. The Marines in full force continued to barrel-through all the defense positions of the MILF, taking down major and satellite camps while crossing two provinces. By this time, feats of gallantry filled the stories from the frontlines. The sacrifices have been made, lives have been offered, the blood mixed with soil, as the Marines pushed the enemy to the edge. From the 3rd Marine Brigade arena, MBLTs 2, 6 and 9 with the Force Recon Marines spearheaded the movement from Matanog, Maguindanao. Initially, the objective of the 3rd Marine Brigade was to clear the highway in Matanog of the rebels encamped along both sides of the road vis-à-vis the government forces, before the main effort, the Army's 603rd Brigade and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, could push through, MBLT2 was tasked to seize Hill 326 from the enemy, while MBLT9 was tasked to seize two enemy strongholds along the highway. The Matanog enemy "blocking force" was heavily fortified and stubbornly defended as it was an outer skirt defense perimeter of Camp Abubakre Al Siddique, the main camp of the MILF. The stretch of NRH in Matanog up to the last Marine detachment in Sitio Teba of Brgy Sappad was entrenched with enemy concrete bunkers from both sides and up to the front of the farthest military detachments facing north. Apparently, the MILF defensive positions took an inverted "U" shape enveloping the highway's contour and the moving Marines. On D-day 29 April 2000, MBLT9 fired the first salvo-a staccato of automatic fire. Hell broke loose, as continuous exchange of fires became a daily routine. The war in Matanog, Maguindanao had begun. By next day, the mujaheedin fighters 201st Bde MILF-BIAF terrain in the area a dire consequence, rifle companies had maneuvering Marines met heavy resistance from the occupying fortified trenches and bunkers under the and the Internal Defense Command, BIAF. The rolling made it impassable to available armored assets. As the assaulting Marines roughly consisting of two no choice but to move - by foot. change of momentum in favor of the MILF rebels, unrelenting grit and determination, undauntedly seven grueling hours. By then, MAJ GENORING, of MBLT9, called for an indirect fire and close relieve the mounting pressure from the Stunned by the sudden the Marines, with their held their position for the battalion commander air support in order to onslaught.

Meanwhile, MBLT2 crept undetected towards the enemy stronghold and relay station at Hill 326 and in spite of the stiff resistance, successfully captured the same from the MILF. MAJ GUERRERO PN(M) then led the maneuver elements of MBLT2 to reinforce MBLT9. One by one, enemy held fighting - positions to include the Ibrahim Memorial Training Center of the BIAF at Brgy Sapad, were overrun by the Marines. Soon enough, Matanog was back to government control. The once impregnable defense lines flouted by the MILF fell to the Marines. The rebels turned their backs in shameful disbelief. By then, the 1st Marine Brigade barreled through all defenses of the MILF up to Brgy Langkong, the gateway to Camp Abubakar where the MILF forces had also regrouped and consolidated. Incidentally, it was also at Langkong where "the shortest combat patrol" transpired.. But that's another story. Consequently, after three unrelenting weeks of conflict, the Narciso Ramos Highway was declared cleared and open for public use. Thereafter, three Medals for Valor (posthumous) were awarded for the legendary heroism displayed by the Marines. Each medal spoke of a courageous heart that fought to the last breath… the essence of being a Marine with a life of selflessness.

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[balipseyev]

THE FALL OF BUSHRA

Camp Bushra Somiorang was the second largest camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It is home to Prof. Mimbantas, Vice Chair for Internal Affairs of the MILF and site of the Darul Iman Military Academy. Situated in the forested hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, for years its exact location was kept secret from the outside world. On May 25, 2000 the 1st Marine Brigade jumped off with one objective in mind: seize Camp Bushra Somiorang and destroy all MILF forces in the area. The move to take Bushra was a race against time. The camp was seated in a valley, such that the force that first occupies the surrounding high grounds would spell decisive victory for itself. Speed was a critical factor. To outflank the enemy, MBLT-1 led by LTCOL PASIHUL PN(M) darted away and occupied the surrounding hills of the MILF camps. The Marines fought it out at the peaks with the rebels while the rest of the 1st Marine Brigade spearheaded by the MBLT10 led by MAJ ABID PN(M), cunningly took the frontal movement for the final sweeping assault. Days of intensive artillery barrage from the 18th Artillery Company effectively demoralized the mujaheedin fighters. This classic and organized scheme of maneuver caught the MILF by surprise, eventually flushing them out from the whole complex in complete disgrace. Camp Bushra fell to the Marines on May 29,2000. Its relatively easy capture became a painful stigma to the MILF hierarchy and a significant psychological victory for the government. By then, the Marines were in exceedingly high spirits. The war continued.

THE SEIGE OF SARMIENTO

By the 25th of May, the 3rd Marine Brigade was tasked to clear the vicinity of Bgy. Langkong crossing towards Camp Darul Aman, Sarmiento, Matanog. Here, resistance along the road was a daily given experience but the Marines kept on their momentum with grim determination amidst enemy machine-gun and sniper fires. MBLT-9 took the road leading to Sarmiento while MBLT-2 maneuvered to higher grounds to secure the flanks. Simultaneously, these two battalions attacked the hasty defense of BIAF. Braving the layers of landmines along their path, they efficiently outmaneuvered the enemy. In the heat of battle, the enemy felt the edge of the Marine sword. Camp Sarmiento was finally seized from Overran by the Marines were the residence Vice Chief for Military Affairs and Chief along with the other sensitive offices of the rebels on June 01, 2000. and headquarters of the MILF of Staff, BIAF Al Haj Murad the MILF.

Like a wild boar, Camp Sarmiento proved to be more tedious to tame rather than to capture. In June 07, MBLT-2 heeded the call for reinforcements by the beleaguered army troopers in Camp Rajamuda. This practically left MBLT-9 alone to defend the once formidable headquarters of the Bangsa Moro Islamic Armed Forces. For 37 days, the Marines fought the rage of MILF fighters to recapture Camp Sarmiento. Everyday, barrages of mortar fires and sporadic bursts of cal.50 heavy machineguns accosted the Marines. Like in Matanog, the enemy had once again surrounded the Marines in a "U" shape manner. MBLT-9 was undersiege. Several desperate attempts to retake the camp from the government forces were made by the MILF's National Guard Division. Notwithstanding the havoc wreaked by the rebels, the Marines held on their ground and gave grim counter-fires. Soon, Marines from MBLT-6 and 7 arrived to tighten the defenses and repulsing the rebels counter attack.

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[balipseyev]

CRUSHING OF ABUBAKAR

Camp Abubakre Al-Siddique, the main camp of the MILF is also home to Salamat Hashim, founder and top leader of the MILF. It is also the site of the Bedis Military Academy and Headquarters BIAF-MILF. Notoriously known as the venue of public brutal executions perpetrated by the MILF, Abubakar has been the pride of the rebels who have repeatedly manifested their final stand to "defend it at all cost". On 06 July 2000, the word got around that Abubakar was to be captured. Marines of the 1st and 3rd Marine Brigade subsequently braced for the final push. The 3rd Marine brigade under 6ID was tasked to clear the Mt. Bitan area while the 1st Marine Brigade was to swoop down at Camp Abubakar's western front. Army units also took their own slice of the pie. From the combined might of the 17th and 18th Artillery Companies, the 105mm howitzer barrage roared away and provided the fire support as Marines on the ground assaulted. At this juncture, Marines of MBLT's 2,6,7 and 9 were already heavily engaged in the vicinity of Camp Sarmiento. Among the casualties was MAJ JANDAYAN PN(M), the newly installed Battalion Commander of MBLT-2 who, despite being wounded, continued to lead his troops in the front. Since this area was the main route leading to the camp, defense lines were more closely packed and fortified. Landmines and heavy machinegun emplacements lined up the ridges of Mt Bitan thus restricting the maneuver and progress altogether. Enemy snipers zeroed in on the advancing Marines but their momentum kept on the assault. Meanwhile, elements of the 1st Marine Brigade with MBLTs 1,4 and 10 maneuvered westward and teamed up against the mujaheedin fighters who were trying to put up their last-ditch stand. July 07, the Marines had successfully breached through the so-called "Stainless Islamic Gate" defense line of Camp Abubakar. Despite the heavy resistance put up by stay behind forces of the MILF, victory for the AFP was inevitable as the rebels' will to fight eroded.

By 08 July 2000, Camp Abubakre Al-Siddique was seized and occupied. In complete disgrace, the MILF hierarchy made a desperate call for "Jihad". The Marines marched on. On 15 September 2000, the Marines participated in the implementation of the SOUTHCOM OPPORD Code Name "Final Option" in conducting military operations in order to rescue the twenty-one (21) foreign and Filipino hostages abducted by the ASG from Sipadan island resort in Malaysia. After two months of continuous operation resulted to the successful rescue of the hostages from their captors and destruction of ASG core organization. After completion of the "Final Option" the Marines were sent back to Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao area. On 07 November 2000, the Marines celebrated the 50th Golden Anniversary. The celebration was highlighted by various activities; CIVAC in Central Mindanao that earned the admiration and respect from the civilian populace in the locality to the Marines and in the AFP in general. Publication of commemorative stamps, Coffee Table Book "Cutting Edge" and the Cite Mar 6. The cake cutting ceremony was highlighted by the presence of his Excellency President Joseph E Estrada as Guest of Honor and Speaker. Despite of the tactical victories as well as strategic advantage of the AFP gained from the successful results in the military campaign in Central Mindanao, the MILF remnants with their "jihad" pronouncement still posed as a major threat against government troops in the region. Since the fall of the MILF strongholds and major camps, the rebels have resorted to ambuscades, harassments and other forms of guerilla tactics, which showed that they are still determined to create instability and terror in the area. In order to counter this, the 2nd Marine Battalion had undertaken continuous effort by being proactive through the conduct of combat clearing operations such as the implementation of 6ID Campaign Plan "MAALAB" and 3MBDE Oplan "Galugad". Likewise the 2nd Marine Battalion also executed its OPLAN "KATAPAT", "SAGASA", LAKBAY DAGAT and PAGBABALIK SAGASA, to properly addressed the threat of the rebels still present in AOR. During the conduct of OPLAN Sagasa from 28 December 2000 to 03 January 2001, the 2nd Marine Battalion encountered undetermined number of MILF rebels at vicinity Barangay Bualan, Barira, Maguindanao which inflicted six (6) rebels killed (body count) and the recovery of assorted high power firearms. As a result of continuous military operations to completely neutralized the MILF threats, the activities as well as the presence of armed sightings have been greatly minimized. Likewise, the rebels have abandoned their sanctuaries in the area. In April 2001, the 2nd Marine Brigade together with the 2nd, 5th Marine Battalion and 63rd Marine Force Reconnaissance Company was deployed in Sulu to augment government troops in confronting the kidnapping problems brought about by the Abu Sayyaf Group. The immediate pull-out of the Marines worries Cotabato City residents. Businessmen and some of them victims of past kidnappings, said they are worried about the resurgence of the kidnapping for ransom now the Marines are gone. Upon arrival at Sulu, the Marines was placed under Task Force Comet, to rescue American hostage Jeffrey Schilling from his captors. After a couple of days, on 12 April 2001, Jeffrey Schilling was rescued by the elements of 2nd Marine Brigade following a brief encounter with the band of Abu Sayyaf men in Luuk, Sulu after almost eight months of captivity. Schilling took time in thanking COL RENATO MIRANDA PN(M)(MNSA), CO, 2MBDE and 1LT CUSTODIO PN(M) and his men in rescuing him in the outskirt of Barangay Bato-Bato, Luuk town. The worsening security situation in nearby Tawi-Tawi province paved the way for the redeployment of 2MBDE in the province from Sulu. The deployment of the battalions under 2MBDE to the islands of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi, Turtle islands, Sitangkai, Simunol, South Ubian, Tandubas, Sibuto, Bongao and Panglima Sugala. On 12 May 2001, the Corps was deputized by the Comelec to safeguard ballot boxes to insure credible, honest, orderly and peaceful senatorial and local election. The Marines performed its task as vanguards of the people exercising their right of suffrage even as far as remote areas of their area of responsibility. Marine troops also strictly implemented security measures at the Philippine International Convention Center where the Commission on Elections is conducting the canvassing and tabulation of votes for the senatorial and party-list polls. The kidnapping incidents that transpired on the early morning of 27 May 2001 at Dos Palmas Beach Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan was a big blow to the tranquil reputation of said province. Said incident was perpetrated by the Basilan based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who took twenty (20) hostages composed of three (3) American nationals and fourteen (14) Filipino guest and three (3) resort workers. As a reaction, one (1) company of 6th Marine Battalion was airlifted to Palawan Province and became part of Task Force PEACOCK of the WESCOM. Its mission was to crack down the perpetrators in places they might have sought refuge mainly in Southern Palawan. On 01 June 2001, another one (1) company of 6th Marine Battalion was deployed in Basilan to augment government troops in the conduct of pursuit operations against the ASG who perpetrated the Dos Palmas kidnapping and the hostage drama in Lamitan, Basilan. Worsening situation of the kidnapping incidents in Lamitan, Basilan, more Marine troops were deployed in the province to augment government troops to after the ASG (MBLT1, MBLT3, MBLT5, 62ND and 63rd Marine Force Reconnaissance Company. The 2MBDE was also deployed in the province in order to provide logistical support and admin control of the Marine units in the area. On 10 August 2001, the MBLT5 and 63rd Marine Force Reconnaissance Company encountered about 90 heavily armed ASG at Sitio Balawain, Brgy. Lumbang, Isabela. Seven (7) ASG fighters were killed in the said encounter while three others had been seriously wounded. Moreover, three (3) hostages from the Golden Harvest Plantation were successfully rescued. On 221226H August 2001, elements of 3MC and 23MC, MBLT3 and 62nd Force Recon Company while maneuvering towards the alleged enemy encampment at vicinity Palabulabuan Aso encountered more or less one hundred (100) Abu Sayyaf members. Firefight ensued for almost an hour after which the enemy withdrew towards southern portion of the encounter site bringing along with them their undetermined number of killed and wounded comrades which resulted of about seven (7) killed including that of Imam Hapilon and Mukhtar Mingkong who were left behind at the encounter site. Also on 260530H August 2001, 23MC, MBLT3 encountered more or less fifty (50) ASG members, firefight ensued and lasted for twenty five (25) minutes wherein nineteen (19) ASG member were killed and were buried in a mass grave. As to this date, the Marines is still trekking in the rugged terrain of Basilan, searching for the Abu Sayyaf with full of hope and strong determination to accomplish their given mission. The 1st Marine Brigade and OPCON Marine units were deployed in Lanao del Sur while 3rd Marine Marine Brigade and OPCON Marine units were deployed in Maguindanao securing the stretch of Narciso Ramos Highway for the safety of all commuters passing through the highway. Wherever the Marines are assigned the difference become obvious. As we moved into the coming years, it is but fitting to reflect on the remarkable achievements and contributions made by those generations of Marines to save the courage and honor that bind us all.

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[i_the_mighty]

Thanks for sharing. Kahinumdum ko nga kada release sa artillery kay mo-uyog amoang balay, we're situated more or less 5 km sa campo. And ang makita sa panganod bala sa kanyon. First time sad ko kahawid og handgun ato na time, kay eldest man ko. And akoang papa is having frequent travels sa anywhere south and east mindanao tungod sa trabaho.

[balipseyev]

Picture that i found on the net...


Philippine Marines march out from Apo Hill in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines APRIL 2000, after weeks of intense battle against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. The Government of President Joseph Estrada waged an all-out-war against the MILF after the town of Kausagan was attacked by the rebels and replace the Philippine Flag with the MILF flag. AP Photo/ Vic Kintanar

2000 Philippine all-out-war | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[elvandesantos]

damn! thats my place! my ever beautiful peaceful town baloi! FYI ninyo, some maranao are scared of this place pag gabii kay hunted daw, kun mo para ka sah gabii sah baloi wala gyud mang hunong