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EastMinCom Troops Neutralize Two High-ranking CTG Leaders, Secures Another Victory Against the Terrorists
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Comma...
Read MoreEastMinCom Troops Neutralize Two High-ranking CTG Leaders, Secures Another Victory Against the Terrorists
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Comma...
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Davao also known as Davao Jaycee Senate has chosen LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), as one of the Outstanding Davaoeños for 2023, under the Peace and Order Category, during its Leaders and Achievers of Davao (LEAD) Awarding Ceremony held at the Acacia Hotel, Lanang, Davao City on December 7.
LtGen. Almerol was nominated by the Office of Civil Defense Region 11 Director, Ednar Dayanghirang, also a member of the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC), a third-party advisory group of the Eastern Mindanao Command, for his remarkable contribution to the peace and security in Davao City and the declaration of Davao Region, particularly Davao City as "Insurgency-free."
LtGen Almerol, accompanied by his wife, Ms. Lynette Almerol, along with their children, received the prestigious LEAD Award following a tedious process by the five-member Board of Judges namely: Hon. Pilar C. Braga, Davao City 1st District Councilor; Ms. Belinda L. Torres, 2024 President of Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Elsie E. Gagabe, DepEd Davao City Education Program Supervisor; Mr. Fermin Edillon, Reputation and Department Head, Davao Light and Power Company; and, PCG Reservist VAdm. Beethoven N. Sur, 2018 Davao City Government Datu Bago Awardee and also LEAD Awardee CY 2022.
Another recipient of the LEAD Award 2023 is Architect Sherrila B. Porza-Sawah, UAP, the Regional Director of National Commission on Muslim Filipino Field Office for Region XI, for Community Empowerment and Development category.
During the program, JCI Senator Jocelyn Tagle-Ledesma, a former President of Davao Jaycee Senate, praised the awardees for their extraordinary accomplishments, which demonstrated outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions to the betterment of the community.
“The impact of the LEAD Awards on our community continues to grow, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of our esteemed awardees. Their stories of perseverance, integrity, and leadership serve as beacons of hope and encouragement, igniting a sense of purpose and responsibility among our fellow citizens,” she said.
Meanwhile, during his acceptance speech, LtGen. Almerol recalled his journey as he started his military career, reminiscing the complex challenges he encountered in Mindanao, which became one of the most important chapters of his career.
He also acknowledged the support of his comrades, the Local Government Units, and stakeholders, particularly the Davaoeños, who were instrumental in the efforts to accomplish the mission and became the focal point for EastMinCom's successes.
“I have worked tirelessly to fulfill our missions and bring security and hope to the region by facing the reality of insurgency. It was not easy, and it never will be. The journey was full of challenges, of which each required a unique blend of strategy and perseverance. But accomplishing the mission was possible because I was supported not only by my comrades but also by the Davaoeños,” LtGen. Almerol said.
“The lessons I learned in leadership, community engagement, and conflict resolution have been indelibly etched into my approach to leadership. Together, we have traveled a path of service, sacrifice, and success. This award belongs to them and to you as much as it belongs to me,” the EastMinCom Commander added.
LEAD, a noble program of Davao Jaycee Senate, has been honoring movers and shakers in the Davao community for 20 years.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), has directed all units under his joint operational area (JOA) to heighten their operations following the two incidents that rocked Mindanao on December 2 and 3.
Preventing Spillover
In Davao City, EastMinCom's anti-terrorism unit Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon has intensified its security measures after an explosion that killed 11 and injured several students in Mindanao State University (MSU) - Marawi on December 3.
As of this writing, JTF Haribon troops are conducting thorough checkpoint operations at entry points, bus boarding operations, foot/water patrols, and enhanced troop visibility in strategic downtown areas in coordination with the Davao City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies.
Simultaneously, the unit has intensified its intelligence monitoring and security operations through systematized and coordinated security schemes among cognizant units, especially in places of convergence to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
HADR Operations
EastMinCom likewise deployed and put on standby a total of 30 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams to assist the Local Government Units after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the coastal town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and affected other parts of Eastern Mindanao on December 2.
Troops promptly conducted mobile security patrol, transportation assistance, monitoring/ocular inspection for any infrastructure damages, and other humanitarian assistance activities in collaboration with the local government units and relevant agencies to aid affected communities, especially the coastal towns of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.
In the latest situational report, the tremor has affected several areas in the Caraga and Davao Regions, with 16 schools, 543 houses, 38 buildings, and four bridges either partially or totally damaged. The earthquake also affected 13,401 families, comprising 61,791 individuals, with 14 reported injuries and three confirmed deaths.
In his message, LtGen. Almerol emphasized that although the bombing incident in Marawi City remains isolated, the government forces in Eastern Mindanao will not put their guards down to ensure the safety of the people during the yuletide season.
"We assure everyone that we are on top of the situation. Although Marawi City is far from our area, we have alerted our troops to heighten their security operations to prevent possible spillover of terrorist atrocities in Eastern Mindanao. We urge the public to adhere to our Culture of Security by promptly reporting any suspicious individuals or group of people in their area to authorities," LtGen. Almerol said.
The EastMinCom Commander also lauded the alertness and readiness of the AFP units within his joint area of operations that responded during the calamity while also ensuring the security of their respective areas of jurisdiction.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) participated in the Simultaneous Christmas Decorations Lighting of all units under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 1.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the ceremony at Lapulapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, while EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol and his wife, Mrs. Lynette Almerol, led the activity at Headquarters EastMinCom here.
The event, which commenced with a virtual Mass and followed by the traditional lighting of Christmas decorations, was witnessed by the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of the Command, along with their families.
Likewise, Mrs. Almerol presided over the judging of the staff office's Christmas Candyland-themed decorations at EastMinCom headquarters.
In his message, LtGen. Almerol reflected on the hope brought by the Christmas season and the unity embedded in the annual tradition.
"Christmas is more than a time of festivity; it is a time of reflection and renewal. It is the time when we leave our problems behind for a moment, embrace the warmth of hope, and feel excited to open the presents from our loved ones, as we look forward to a year filled with new opportunities for growth and development," he stated.
Meanwhile, Gen. Brawner encouraged all AFP personnel to serve with humility, honor, and integrity, urging them to collaborate in building a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.
The annual tradition was part of the AFP's Yuletide Festivities and the 88th AFP Anniversary, with this year's theme, "Rising Over The Challenges in Service to the Nation."
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol engaged in a series of armed encounters against the dwindling Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants in Eastern Mindanao as the Command intensified its combat operations on November 24 to 25.
Under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, the series of skirmishes launched by the 1003rd Infantry Brigade involving the 48th, 72nd, and 56th Infantry Battalions (IB) at Brgys. Lumintao and Kipaypayon, Quezon, Bukidnon on November 24 led to the death of a CTG leader and the capture of an M16 Rifle.
Troops identified the fatality as Mutong Bago, alias Amatung, the Team Leader of Abe, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabibad (SRSDG) Peddler, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
On the following day, JTF Diamond troops, under the 65IB, 901Bde, also captured two high-powered firearms and a laptop following a clash against armed members of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on November 25.
Government forces were able to capture two high-powered firearms composed of an AK47 Rifle and an M16A1 Rifle, 12 backpacks with personal belongings, and terrorist documents.
At 5:00 PM on the same day, five members of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5) and Headquarters Force (HQF) NEO under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the operational control of the 403Bde, at Brgy. Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
The surrenderers, who also yielded two AK47 Rifles, two M16 Rifles, and an M14 Rifle, are composed of a Vice-Commanding Officer and four regular members.
Meanwhile, LtGen Almerol lauded the EastMinCom troops for their persistence in pursuing the CTG remnants. He also offered his condolences to the family of the slain CTG leader while reiterating his call to the remaining active terrorist elements to yield peacefully.
"The people of Eastern Mindanao have already declared CTG as irrelevant and they have no influenced barangays in our area since 2022. This means that their resistance, even with a dwindling force, will only lead them to useless death and defeat," he said.
"This is the time for you to surrender and reunite with your loved ones before it is too late. Be assured that our government is ready to provide appropriate assistance programs suited once you choose to return to the folds of the law," the EastMinCom Commander added.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has reported significant accomplishments as the 37th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the Philippines and Indonesia (PHILINDO) concluded in a ceremony on November 14 here.
CORPAT PHILINDO is a four-leg joint patrol between the Indonesian Navy and the Philippine Navy, aiming to enhance the interoperability and secure the maritime borders of both countries against piracy, illegal crossing, and other transnational criminal activities carried out through Harbor and Sea Phases.
This year's CORPAT began on March 16-17 through the Sea Phase; the Second Leg on May 3-7 with the Opening Ceremony in Manado City, Indonesia; and the Third Leg on September 14-16.
The Fourth Leg's Sea Phase, held on November 10-14, was participated by the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) from the Philippine Navy and KRI TONGKOL-813 from the Indonesian Navy. Its Harbor Phase included the docking of participating ships at CAPT Feranil Pier and the Closing Ceremony hosted by EastMinCom at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Mess Hall on November 14.
NFEM Commander Commo. Carlos V. Sabarre graced the culmination on behalf of EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol as head of the Philippine contingent, while First Admiral TNI Teguh Prasetya, the Commander of Maritime Security Task Force, 2nd Fleet Command, Indonesian Navy, led the Indonesian delegates.
"Once again, we have witnessed a successful CORPAT PHILINDO done by the Philippine Navy and Indonesian Navy. We ensure that the results of Coordinated Patrol will contribute to a stronger and closer partnership of the Philippines and Indonesia," FAdm. Prasetya said during the Closing Ceremony.
Meanwhile, Commo. Sabarre emphasized the stronger cooperation and relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines through the continuous interaction of both countries' armed forces.
"Over the course of this operation, we have witnessed the strength of our partnership, the professionalism of our forces, and the shared commitment to security and stability. This CORPAT PHILINDO has been an effective avenue to further enhance the spirit of comradeship, mutual respect as well as strengthening our bond as neighboring countries," he said.
Before this, EastMinCom Deputy Commander BGen. Consolito P. Yecla also accorded a traditional military honor to FAdm. Prasetya and his party during their visit to the Command's Headquarters.
Some of the accomplishments logged during this year's CORPAT include the repatriation of six Filipinos from Indonesia to the Philippines aboard the PS-37 on May 5 and the interception of the fishing vessel M/B Princess Sarah, carrying 600 master cases of smuggled cigarettes southwest off Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental on November 5.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP