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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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EastMinCom Launches Aggressive Ops to Prevent NPA Recovery Outside Davao Borders
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops belonging to Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, launched series of intensive combat operations to prevent the Communist Terrorist ...
Read MoreNSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol lambasted the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for perpetuating lies that Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos was killed in an ambush instead of a legitimate encounter, stressing that this is nothing but their final attempt to save face using a tired trope to discredit the accomplishment of EastMinCom hardworking and dedicated troops.
LtGen. Almerol, along with the whole EastMinCom units, urged the populace not to be swayed by the statement released by the CPP spokesperson. “There is not a single honest bone in the CPP leaders’ and members’ bodies. They have been lying to the people for decades in order to advance their agenda of violence and rob the people of peace and development that they should have been enjoying in their communities many years ago,” LtGen. Almerol said.
“The CPP’s official statement of lies is nothing new. It was nothing but an overused line that the CPP has been using for many years whenever they find themselves in a disadvantaged position. If they must lie, they should at least be original to be sound convincing. In this case, they have failed to persuade the people by using the same lie over and over again,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
The EastMinCom Commander said that Ka Oris’ loss is major setback to the CPP; hence, they will publicize lies to discredit the efforts of the military in pursing peace and development in the country. He added, however, that the Filipino people are too smart to be persuaded by their acts of deception.
EastMinCom ensured the public that Ka Oris died in a legitimate encounter with the government forces, which was the result of the collective valuable efforts of the different operating troops from the 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, PA, and intelligence units. LtGen. Almerol added that the successful operations were the result of the military’s careful and deliberate plan to neutralize CTG leaders.
The EastMinCom Commander stressed that the government forces in Eastern Mindanao are strictly adhering to the rules of engagement and the provisions of international treaties such as the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, unlike the CPP’s consistent violation of these standards through their shameless use of anti-personnel mines, ambushing of civilians, recruitment of child warriors, and exploitation of the Indigenous People.
“Our troops had done an excellent job by eliminating hardcore CTG leaders who are hounding the people with their terroristic activities and wreaking havoc in the countryside. Our brave and courageous soldiers displayed their bravery, and dedication to their sworn duties by exemplifying outstanding training skills and strategy in serving the Filipino people,” the EastMinCom Commander expressed.
On the other hand, EastMinCom welcomed the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders’ statement expressing a celebratory mood over the death of Ka Oris whom they dubbed as “the butcher” of Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao for being the chief implementer of the CPP’s terroristic activities.
“The Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao have a million reasons to be happy about the news of Ka Oris’ death as they have borne the brunt of the CTG’s atrocities under Ka Oris’ direct orders for many years. With Ka Oris out of the picture, tribal groups can finally live in peace and in harmony with each other,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol and the whole EastMinCom expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Ka Oris, assuring them of the intent to release his dead body so that a decent funeral will be accorded to him once the proper procedure set under existing Covid-19 protocols is completed.
LtGen. Almerol also assured the public that the whole EastMinCom will be tireless in its intent to win the peace in Eastern Mindanao to allow development to flourish in the area.
“There will be no letup. We will remain aggressive in pursuing the remaining communist terrorists. Hence, I am appealing to our brothers and sisters who remain fighting under the CTG to lay down their arms and embrace our government’s offer of a better future,” LtGen. Almerol reiterated.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) headed by LtGen. Greg T. Almerol commends all the combat and combat support units under his Command for their successful operations which resulted to the death of Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris, who was the New People’s Army National Operations Command Spokesperson and EXECOM member of Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee, on October 30, 2021.
The collective efforts of the different operating troops, primarily composed of the 403rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, PA, and intelligence units and as well as the timely use of the Philippine Air Force capability made the operation successful leading to the death of Ka Oris.
The successful operations were carried out based on the guidance set forth by LtGen Almerol when he assumed command of Eastern Mindanao Command in March 2021. Since then, intelligence fusion, and careful and progressive planning to ensure a better focus military operations were undertaken. Evidently, the hard-work and cooperation among the EastMinCom’s units has paved the way to the neutralization of the high-ranking CTG leaders including Ka Oris.
Ka Oris’ death serves as a main deterrence against communist terrorists’ atrocities in Eastern Mindanao and his loss is bound to cause the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) forces into splinters.
The death of Ka Oris, who was the face of communist terrorism in Mindanao for many years, is a major loss to the CTG as his influence had been a unifying force for its followers and supporters in the area. With him out of the picture, the CTG’s operational balance could easily cave in like a house of cards.
His demise signals a new era for the people of Eastern Mindanao who had long been living in the shadows of terror sowed by the CTG under his reign. With his followers shattered into smaller group, is a result of the relentless focused military operations launched by EastMinCom troops.
His death is also a major victory not only for the military but as well as the peace-loving communities of Eastern Mindanao who finally enjoy an unhampered peace and development.
May Ka Oris’ death serve as an awakening for the remaining CTG forces that continued resistance against the government will only results in tragic endings. The whole EastMinCom calls upon Ka Oris’ fellow leaders and followers to embrace the government’s sincere offer to help them start a new life under the fold of the law through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
We reiterate our call for peace to the remaining CTG members. May you follow the steps of your former comrades who are now living a peaceful and comfortable life under the care of the government. All you need to do is make that decisive action to peacefully surrender and we will ensure your safety and protection.
Meanwhile, EastMinCom also applauds the people living in the communities for their proactive sharing of information to the military which has been instrumental in the success of its operations in Eastern Mindanao. The people’s eagerness to help only manifests their desire to put an end to the menace and anti-development sentiments of the CTG in their communities.
The voluntary acts of ordinary citizens in sharing vital information to the military speak volumes about the dissipating support for the CTG. It is clear that we have been able to win their complete trust and we will never smear this relationship with them.
Rest assured that EastMinCom will never stop working day and night to bring lasting peace and development in Eastern Mindanao by 2022.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr. lauded the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for setting the military standard in combatting communist insurgency in the country during his official visit at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on October 27, 2021.
Gen. Faustino, who served as EastMinCom Commander before becoming the acting Commanding General of the Philippine Army and AFP Chief of Staff, bared that he made certain to visit the Command that had help propel him to top military post before he ends his long military career.
The outgoing AFP Chief of Staff said that EastMinCom troops played a vital role in helping the AFP earn the highest approval rating among government agencies in the country, citing the result of the latest non-commissioned survey conducted by independent pollster PUBLicus Asia, Inc. where the AFP got a 67% approval rating.
Gen. Faustino expressed his gratitude to the troops for their contribution to the AFP’s accomplishments, emphasizing the significant role of EastMinCom in maintaining and facilitating sustainable development in Eastern Mindanao.
The AFP Chief also did not fail to commend the incumbent EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol for maintaining the Command’s tradition of excellence, saying that he had personally witnessed how the latter has strived to further improve EastMinCom’s operations.
“If you look at EastMinCom’s accomplishments and compare it to other Commands and Divisions, you will see that nothing compares to it. EastMinCom is being looked up to because of its best practices. It has become the standard on how to fight the insurgents,” Gen. Faustino said.
“I would also like to congratulate EastMinCom on its recent successes in the neutralization of communist terrorists, focused military operations, and also on its intensive stakeholders’ engagement and collaboration,” Gen. Faustino added.
Meanwhile, the AFP chief also reminded the troops to do their best in ensuring a safe and clean national election in 2022.
Gen. Faustino took the rein of the AFP on July 31, 2021 after his stint as the first-ever commander of the new Joint Task Force Mindanao on June 4. He became the 12th Commander of EastMinCom following his stint as Commander of the 10th Infantry Division. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol led the donning of ranks to 13 newly promoted enlisted personnel in a simple ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Panacan, Davao City on October 4, 2021.
Out of the 13 newly donned personnel, five were promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant, two Technical Sergeant, five Staff Sergeant, and one to Sergeant.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Almerol congratulated the newly promoted enlisted personnel, saying that this milestone in their career mirrors their discipline, hard work, and dedication to their respective duties and responsibilities.
“All throughout the years of your service, you have proven your capabilities and loyalty. You have been entrusted with crucial responsibilities and have contributed so much in addressing the needs of our organization,” LtGen. Almerol said in his speech.
This achievement, according to LtGen. Almerol, bespeaks of the added responsibility and higher expectations as they continuously uphold the organization’s mandates and perform their tasks.
It is, therefore, my hope that you remained firm to the good work ethics you all hold. Your success will be measured not so much on quantity, but on quality as you do things right and do right things. I am sure that you will measure up to the confidence placed in you,” LtGen. Almerol stressed.
The Commander also expressed his confidence on the enlisted personnel, saying that the physical, mental, and moral qualifications that they have built and demonstrated throughout their military careers suffice in meeting the peculiar challenges of the present time.
“It is my hope that the new ranks you now proudly wear on your shoulders will further motivate you to contribute more in the accomplishment of our mission and may you carry out your jobs with the highest standards of excellence and professionalism,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
The Commander, during the donning of ranks ceremony, was assisted by Col. Nasser P. Lidasan, EastMinCom’s Chief of Unified Command Staff.
The donning of ranks is a long-standing Military tradition that signifies the development and readiness of personnel to take a higher responsibility.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Through the directive of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, various army units in Eastern Mindanao ramped up their focused military operations in the past few days which resulted to the death of three communist terrorists and surrender of nine communist terrorists including two minors from September 17 until September 21.
Three communist terrorists belonging to Guerrilla Front 19 (GF19) and Guerrilla Front 30 (GF30) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), whose identities have yet to be determined, were killed in separate focused military operations launched by the 4th Infantry Division’s (4th ID) 36th IB at Sitio Agsam, Barangay Cabas-an, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur and 75th IB in Km 22, Barangay Caras-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur on September 17 and 21, respectively.
Troops also seized their weapons and other war materials including two M16 rifles, a Cal. 22 rifle, an anti-personnel mine, an AR18 rifle, a carbine, and bandolier with two long magazines and a short magazine for M16 rifle, among others.
Meanwhile, a focused military operation conducted by troops of 23rd IB diminished the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) firearms and resources as it seized an AK47 Rifle and five AK47 magazines with live ammunitions including eight sacks of assorted supplies in an armed encounter transpired at Sitio Bugta, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on September 22, 2021.
Due to exhaustion and hunger, nine more communist terrorists including two minors aged 15 and 16 voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 10th Infantry Division’s 72nd IB on September 19 and 60th IB on September 20, 2021.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol lambasted the CTG’s blatant disregard for the International Humanitarian Law as it continuously recruits and arms minors to fight in the battlefield, adding that EastMinCom will coordinate with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Kapalong to ensure that the child combatants will be taken care of.
LtGen. Almerol also bared that the focused military operations conducted all over Eastern Mindanao are part of EastMinCom’s move to relentlessly pursue the peace spoilers in order to put an end to the communist armed conflict by 2022.
The EastMinCom Commander also welcomed the decision of communist terrorists to surrender peacefully and work with the military in dismantling the remaining guerrilla units in pursuit of genuine peace.
On top of the military’s efforts, LtGen. Almerol also stressed that EastMinCom units are also working side by side with the Philippine National Police, hence making the crackdown on communist terrorism even more potent.
“From this vantage point, it is apparent that the CTG has a nil chance of winning this war now that all sectors ranging from the national government, the private sector, down to the grassroots communities are already on board in curtailing communist terrorism. Therefore, I enjoin the remaining reds to save themselves by surrendering instead of continuing to put up a fight for a cause that already has no place in the society,” LtGen. Almerol reiterated.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP