Hinundayan Armed Group not mine - Honasan!

MAASIN CITY - Last week we received a complaint from Mayor Evelyn Lee about a semi-military group called the “Guardians” which she claimed were recruiting members in Hinundayan and frightening residents there.

According to Mayor Lee, the group which is headed by a Supremo named Castor Cabilogan had “initiated” its first batch of members who were comprised of former police and military personnel. She said it was now recruiting young men who would also be initiated soon and she feared the group (some of whom were allegedly armed) could be used by her political rival to intimidate voters this coming election.

We informed Governor Damian Mercado and PNP Provincial Director Colonel Pepito Pacada about Mayor Lee’s complaint and they promised to investigate the matter ASAP.

We also contacted the Guardian headquarters in Manila and asked if they had a chapter in Hinundayan, but Rey “Gemini” Co a senior staff member there said they had none.

Co said the Guardians which is headed by Gringo Honasan had split into two factions and added that rogue groups had been recruiting members without the sanction of its headquarters in Manila.
The PNP and provincial governor is giving this matter priority since the existence of any armed civilian group here would give the province a bad image specially after what happened in Maguindanao last November.

Colonel Pacada said if the civilian-military group in Hinundayan is armed and terrorizing people then its members would be apprehended and disarmed immediately. “There is a gun ban that has been in effect since January 12 and we have established check points in key areas to implement it,” Pacada told SLT.
The Guardian Brotherhood Organization was first known as the “Diablo Squad.” It was founded in 1976 by Sergeant Abraham Jangao who conceived it as a fraternity of soldiers committed to Brotherhood, Unity and Oneness.

Although the organization had gained support for its performance in Lanao del Norte it became controversial due to accusations of salvaging and other human rights violation. It was also considered a threat to the Armed Forces of the Philippines since it was seen as an “Army within an Army.”

General Fidel Ramos called a conference between the top leaders of the AFP and the Diablo Organization in November 1984 where it was agreed that the organization would be disbanded later that year.

Diablo leaders however pleaded for the organization’s continuance under its new name the Guardian Brotherhood incorporated. General Ramos agreed and the corporation was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1984. (By ANTONIO M. REYES)

Other News

PhilHealth exec visits Southern Leyte

Landslide and floods threaten Southern Leyte

PCA moves to contain spread of coconut pests

Field Nurse program to continue

DPWH sets groundbreaking for new bridge in Sogod

RGM Alliance’s Million tree planting program launched

St. Bernard bags 2009 National Search for Barangays with Best Sanitary Practice Award

Region 8 PESO congress eyed as vehicle for learning, info sharing

Malacanang directs 4Ps in Region 8 to cover 6 provinces To benefit over 100,000 poor families

Comelect List of Local Candidates for the May 10, 2010 National Elections