Ground Zero Medical Outreach “The people (rebels) don’t think in terms of organizational labels, whether Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) or Abu Sayyaf. They’re all mixed together, and what is paramount to the people is that their common enemy is the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)”, according to Victor Taylor, a peace advocate and researcher who frequents in Sulu. Background Five years ago there were series of bloody disputes between the rogue MNLF and the 33rd IB Philippine army (whom ACIM Asia is currently working with for the medical civic action programs in Maguindanao area) troops in the areas of Indanan, Parang and Maimbung, Sulu. The series of encounters killed 33 military men and an unknown number of casualties from the terrorist group. From that day on, no military men have ever set foot again in those areas of Sulu, particularly in the area of Parang which is a strong threshold area of the MNLF. On August 8, 2007, the troops were sent on a “highly sensitive mission” targeting the leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (Al Qaeda link): Albader Parad and Doctor Abu. It was around 5AM when the military received gun shots from whom they identified as “rogue MNLF” in Barangay Sampunay, Parang, when they were on their way to their target area. The Army responded by exchanging gunshots that lasted until 8AM, and resulted to the death of the MNLF Parang Municipal Command Habbi Jeili. The rogue MNLF, of course retaliated with series of ambushes in Maimbung Sulu on August 9. These encounters intensified the warfare that has occurred even before August 8-9, 2007 between the military, rogue MNLF and Abu Sayyaf groups. 33rd IB has departed their area of responsibility in Sulu and was not replaced by any other military units since then. Yet, it doesn’t mean that the war has been already concluded.
Sulu has been known as the haven of the Muslim extremist groups like Abu Sayyaf, rogue MNLF, MILF and other lawless insurgent elements. These groups were freer to operate on this island and became their headquarters. Sometimes, the land name is even synonymous to extreme danger. The “Ground Zero” Event No one had expected that they will have a chance to go to Parang – the municipality between Maimbung and Indanan where the history of conflict sprouted last 2007. It was on March 14, 2012, when a combined team of government agencies, military units, and non government organizations conducted a medical-dentalminor surgical and veterinary civic action program in Barangay Silangkan in Parang, Sulu. A note worthy fact about this event is that it was neither initiated by the military units, nor by the social agencies, but rather, it was requested by the MNLF themselves, through the Centre for Humanitarian Development (CHD). MNLF have organized the basics like the mission venue and coordination with the grassroots and local officials. Figure 1 The coastal bay of Barangay Silangkan.
They have also ensured the safety of the medical and non
medical team, military officials and troops throughout the day. Normally, before any medical outreach, the military secures the area by manning it before the event, during the event, and after the event. This time, it was the MNLF who did that job for them since the military could not penetrate into their ground without the risk of getting into an armed encounter with armed locals in the area due to historical animosity and suspicion. The only precaution that the mission team have undertaken was to take the route via sea about 40 minutes from the Jolo port since the land trip could have been dangerous because of the possible ambushes of the uninformed MNLF forces around the area.
The Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 tapped the ACIM Asia to participate on this said event. ACIM Asia team have brought in manpower and medicines that were distributed among the sick people. The usual medical consultation, free medications, dental extraction, minor surgeries, veterinary checkups were done. A mini playground was also installed in the school ground for the benefit of the children. Yet, the interaction between the MNLF and the Military, without any guns involved, was priceless and historical. Figure 2. Children enjoying their newly installed playground.
Hence it was called by Col. Quemado (the head of the organizing Marine team) as a ground zero medical outreach. Ground zero is a term that usually describes the point closest to the core of danger/damage. In that medical mission, we were inside the enemy’s lines, that even the military men never went in after the 2007 incident. The Current Situation Barangay Silangkan, location in Parang, has been displaced geographically since the war broke off in the area. Most of the time, Figure 3. People lining up to avail of free medical consultation and medicines. health care services were not readily distributed on this far flung barangay because the health care givers are afraid of the dangers that are waiting for them. In fact, 6 health workers including a midwife were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu just last March 19, 2012, 5 days after the mission in Silangkan.
The Abu Sayyaf usually exchange victims for ransoms but their real intention is not yet confirmed on this case. However, they have a great need for health care worker to serve as an in house medical provider for their group and their wounded combatants. Families of the rebels were forced to settle in the premises of this feared area due to the fact that the road going to city proper is loaded with unpredictable perils. Not only it is geographically displaced, but also their economical situation is displaced, classifying most of them as indigents.
Figure 4. The Locals and the Marines: Posting for a Photo for the first time.
With such situation, they would rather save their few pennies and skip the risks of travelling. Most of the patients that were seen are children, who were not just simply sick, but really sick because of lack of: health care knowledge by the parents, medical supplies, and services being received by the residents. Some were in severe state of their illness which has been obviously, because it was disregarded for long time already. The Centre for Humanitarian Development (CHD) and its partners in Sulu have been working hard of supporting Peace Centred Communities (PCC). One of the primary ways to support the PCC is through focusing on meaningful community outreach support programs, which in return has an effect of motivating other barangays to strive to be a Peace Centred Community as well. Nonetheless, this effort intend to inspire the other communities no matter how isolated they are, or how challenging the local security situation is. It might not happen overnight, but gradually, it will have a rewarding result. Long Term Effect of One Day Event The team served 109 medical patients both for adult and pediatric, 9 patients for circumcision and 12 patients for dental extractions. The quantity might not be that remarkable, but the result of this outreach can go far beyond the number – a peaceful and better relationship not only with the MNLF (who initiated it) but also with the local people and their good-Samaritan-visitors, through mutual trust and respect. The event was of course, was successful, from an objective basis that all of the team went back safe and sound. This one day health outreach also embarked the beginning of the reopening of the road that cannot be travelled upon for five years– for a part of the team, took the land trip instead of the boat.
It was not just about being beyond the enemy’s line, but it was about the defying our own fears and doubts. For a fact remains that some people (especially the innocent children) are really suffering with health illnesses –and there’s a need to help them whatever the prejudices are. Sources: http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-World-Insurgency-and-Terrorism/Moro-National-Liberation-Front-MNLF-Philippines.html http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/thesoutherncampaign/view.php?db=1&article=20070810-81770 http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/pdf/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.filipino/2007-08/msg00234.pdf http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/56146/news/specialreports/newsbreak-poor-planning-troop-burnout-caused-twin-tragedy-in-mindanao 1Lt Rommel Panganiban, Ex-O Charlie Cox, 33rd IB. (One of the troops that was present during the August 8-9, 2007 incident in Sulu). Lt. Col. Joseph Conta, Commanding Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, Camp Bud Datu, Indanan, Sulu. Lt Col Quemado, S3, Joint Task Force Sulu, Jolo Sulu. Lt. Alvin Mark Bonayao, S7, 33rd IB, 6th ID, Philippine Army