We were able to physically and psychologically contain the MBA in Marawi City. While our troops on the ground were providing the physical means to contain the battlefield, our use of Information Operations (IO) became vital in containing it psychologically. IO utilized both hard power and soft power approaches through different Information Related Capabilities (IRC). …
The Marawi crisis affected the displaced civilians physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially. The people of Marawi City suffered a great loss – death and injury; damage to personal property, cultural and religious structures; loss of livelihood and income; and a disruption of business and education. They were also confronted by the appalling living conditions in …
We envisioned CVE programs to foster a closer cooperation and exchange between us and actors in the fields of conflict management and prevention. COL FACUNDO PALAFOX IV, G7, PA provided us with his guidance, directives, and support in the conduct of our operations. We purposely engaged the youth sector as they are the most vulnerable …
Social media played a key role for our forces during the Marawi crisis. It was a new frontier that we engaged in. From the beginning of the crisis up to its end, social media was one of our tools that helped engage the public and win their support for the campaign against the ISIS-Maute Terrorist …
The CMOCC was our most innovative and effective CMO onsite initiative. It served as the medium where civilian stakeholders (civil society groups, media, private individuals and government organizations) were able to engage us on three fronts – information dissemination, continuous dialogue, and in the conduct of emergency activities. The CMOCC effort was headed by Lt …
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In every military battle, the most important component behind the scene is sustainment. Sustainment units ensured the availability of various supplies ranging from ammunition, force protection equipment, food, clothing, and other mission essential supplies and equipment for our operating units. It also ensured that our wounded were treated accordingly and machines and other equipment used …
The combined efforts of the entire AFP, together with the PNP and the PCG personnel, complemented our efforts in fighting the ISIS-Maute Terrorist Group in Marawi City. Philippine Navy The Fleet-Marine units under the leadership of the Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC), Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, were composed of the Marine Battalion Landing …
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Marawi City now sits in rubble, and an eerie quietness lingers on. The city’s muddied streets and bullet-riddled houses and buildings are proof of the existence of the intense and exhausting battles that were fought by our valiant troops against members of the ISIS-Maute Terrorist Group, who refused to surrender or release their hostages. We, …
We were the first to reinforce friendly forces in the MBA. On the 20th of May 2017, three days prior to the siege of Marawi City, we had set out to conduct combat operations against communist terrorists (CTs) along the boundaries of Maguing, Lanao del Sur, and Talakag, Bukidnon. It was the start of the …
Read more “Victors of the First 13 Days of the Crisis: The 1st Scout Ranger Battalion”
We at the SOF community have a common set of skills and a mastery of unconventional warfare that enable us to recruit enemies and persuade them to switch sides. As the commander of a Special Forces Company deployed during the Marawi Crisis, I was tasked to facilitate the rescue of a Catholic priest, Rev. Father …
Read more “Agents on a Secret Rescue Mission: Special Forces (SF) Company”