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𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐂𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐀, 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) hosted its traditional New Year's Call to EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Luis Rex D. Bergante PA, on January 13.
The event was atten...
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BSKE 2023 in Eastern Mindanao: A Triumph of Unity and Peace as COMELEC, Law Enforcement, and Community join Forces
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 in Eastern Mindanao concluded as a remarkable testament to unity and peace.
As of 6PM on 30 October 2023...
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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
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, successfully maintained peace and order in Eastern Mindanao during the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day 2023.
Military forces from EastMinCom's Joint Task Forces Agila, Diamond, Haribon and Seahawk, along with their police counterparts, were deployed to different cemeteries and churches to ensure the security of everyone visiting their departed loved ones.
The successful 2-day security operations came a few days after troops also ensured the peaceful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 last October 30.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol reported no violent incidents during the 2-day commemoration, particularly in the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area (JOA).
He also commended the strong collaboration between his troops, police forces, and the communities in Eastern Mindanao that prevented lawless elements from carrying out their violent schemes.
"The successive conduct of security operations presented a challenge to our deployment as we continue our relentless operations against the Communist Terrorist Group. Nevertheless, these operations were successfully implemented through the strong support of other law enforcers and the general public," said the EastMinCom Commander.
"We remain committed to maintaining peace and security in Eastern Mindanao and ensuring that the people are protected from any threats," he added.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command , AFP
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command , AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), led by Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol, established a significant Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) initiative with the Office of Civil Defense Region (OCD) 11, REACT MADAYAW DURIAN Group, and the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG) on October 24.
The collaborative partnership signing occurred at the 11RCDG headquarters in Mintal, Davao City. Lt. Gen. Almerol was represented by Lt. Col. Rey T. Alvarado, the EastMinCom Chief of Reservist and Retirees Affairs, along with OCD 11 Director Ednar G. Dayanghirang, REACT Group Chief Mr. Israel Mejares, 11RCDG Commander Colonel Josue M. Caberto, and 1101RRIBn and 1105RRIBn Commander Lt. Col. Rodrigo L. Rivamonte GSC PA (RES).
The primary focus of the partnership centers on disaster management-related training and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. The partnership represents a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of all entities involved, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the local community.
The event was also attended by other personnel from 11RCDG and OCD 11 along with eight ROTC Cadets and 20 reservist personnel, demonstrating extensive support for this collaborative effort.
The signing ceremony concluded on the same day, marking the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the region.
The partnering agencies are committed to working together, leveraging their collective strengths, expertise, and resources to ensure a more resilient and safer environment for the people of Davao City and beyond.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of Lieutenant General Greg T Almerol, conducted a Reserve Forces Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on October 21 and 22.
This activity was conducted to make Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs) better prepared when called to active duty. It also aims to improve their skills, competencies, and flexibility so that they can easily join the regular force, especially in the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area, and handle different situations and emergencies.
Commodore Marfenio Y. Tan, the Commander of the Naval Affiliated Reserve-Eastern Mindanao who graced the opening ceremony emphasized the role of the reservist as the special force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and highlighted the importance of enhancing their readiness and capabilities when called to active duty. “Let us continue working together towards a better, more progressive, stronger and united Philippine Republic, ready to face challenges of the future as an active, committed and dedicated Reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines”, he said.
Reservist units from the AFP major services performed the humanitarian assistance and disaster response and war fighting scenarios utilizing the ground, air and sea assets taking-off from EastMinCom headquarters towards the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao Region.
The Office of Civil Defense Region 11 Director Ednar G Dayanghirang, serving as among the evaluators, rated the reservists' performance in the HADR scenario 9 out of 10, praising their quick response, first aid, and life-saving protocols.
Reservist representatives from the Philippine Air Force, Navy, and Army expressed gratitude for the unique experiences and requested for continued support from the AFP leadership in future exercises.
During the closing ceremony, Major General Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, AFP, represented by Colonel Angel E. Cuenco, thanked the Reservists, the Municipal Government, and the Local Government of Davao City for their support in both military and non-military activities.
In his speech, he highlighted how being prepared and capable directly impacts the safety of the nation and its people. He emphasized the crucial role that every member plays in maintaining the integrity of defense forces and their efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. "All of us are essential for the integrity of our defense forces and our humanitarian efforts. As members of the reserve force, you form the foundation for expanding our active forces", he said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Almerol commended the participants, emphasizing their reliability as important assets in different operations. He recognized their dedication and teamwork, not just in supporting the regular force but also various government agencies and local authorities.
He stated, "Our goal is to grow well-trained and equipped reservists capable of responding quickly to mission requirements. Seeing how successful you have been in this MOBEX, the Command is truly confident that we have reservists who are capable and qualified to take on organizational transformation tasks."
The EMC MoBex 2023 is the first of its kind to be conducted by the AFP.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP