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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 – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a bid to enhance the operational capabilities of its frontline units, assigned four new S-70i Blackhawk helicopters to Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) which are expected to amplify its air capabilities especially in conducting intensified military combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response during calamities.
This came a week after the death of Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris,” a notorious Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader, in a legitimate encounter with the security forces of EastMinCom in the hinterland of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on October 30, 2021.
The four new air assets, two of which are stationed at Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM), Davao Air Station, Barangay Sasa, Davao City, and another two at Tactical Operations Group 10 Headquarters, Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro, City, were formally received by BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, the Deputy Commander of EastMinCom, and LtCol. Omar FridzKhan S. Alpa, the Officer-in-Charge of TOW-EM/Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 11 on November 4.
The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is the latest in the family of Black Hawk multi-mission aircraft built by Poland-based Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary PZL Mielec. These air assets can be configured according to specific missions including troops transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, disaster response, cargo lift, and VIP transport.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol said that these new air assets will enhance the troops’ mobility in the fight against the CTG including the ability to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, especially that troops in Eastern Mindanao have always been on the frontlines during natural calamities and disasters.
Aside from that, LtGen. Almerol said that these new air assets will also help the troops of EastMinCom attain its goal of ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022 as it will advance its intensified focused military operations against the CTG.
“The arrival of these Black Hawk choppers happened at a very opportune time to aid our hardworking troops in the pursuit of genuine peace and development in Eastern Mindanao. There is no doubt that these air capabilities will improve the conduct of military operations against the CTG and other threat groups both on land and sea,” LtGen. Almerol said.
The EastMinCom Commander also expressed his gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his continued support in improving military capabilities, adding that the president has always been responsive to the needs of the military in order to protect the interest of the country and the people.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, 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