LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
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 ...
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol continues to alter the operational balance of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as it brought down six more communist terrorists in intensified joint military operations separately launched by the troops at Sitio Cogon-Cogon, Brgy Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City on September 20, 2021.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that the combined forces of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) and 403rd Brigade’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion launched an intensified military operation against the CTG’s National Operations Command, Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID); Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force Neo, Regional Sentro De Grabidad Compaq (RSDG Compaq), and Guerrilla Front 89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) which resulted in the death of five communist terrorists whose identities are yet to be determined through the aid of former rebels.
Troops were also able to seize 12 high-powered firearms and other war materials at the encounter site.
The encounter stemmed from a report of a concerned citizen who revealed to authorities that some armed individuals were roaming around their community to extort food and seize some supplies. This prompted the troops to strengthen collaboration with adjacent units and its counterpart from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to respond to the scene and protect the people.
LtGen. Almerol said that the CTG attempted to reclaim Brgy Manalog, their former mass base but could not penetrate due to the increasing support of the communities, Local Government Units, and the PNP which are eager and dedicated to end the communist terrorism.
Meanwhile, troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion figured in a 15-minute armed encounter with an undetermined number of communist terrorists belonging to the SYP21C, Guerrilla Front 21 in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City which led to the death of another CTG member whose identity has yet to be determined and the seizure of two M16 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher.
LtGen. Almerol assessed that the CTG is on the verge of collapse, especially in the area of Bukidnon, following the successive neutralization of its leaders and members in the past days.
“Our troops will never stop pursuing the few remaining CTGs until the terror they bring in the peace-loving communities of Eastern Mindanao are completely extinguished. We are confident that we can achieve this goal because of the strong support we are getting from the LGUs, the PNP, and the ordinary citizens who are proactive in reporting any suspicious activities in their areas,” LtGen. Almerol said.
LtGen. Almerol pointed out that the CTG is caught in an impasse because, aside from the troops surrounding them, the people in the communities are no longer on their side and even actively working with the AFP and PNP in putting an end to the insurgency problem.
The EastMinCom Commander reiterated his invitation to the remaining CTG leaders and members to peacefully surrender to the government, once and for all, so that they will no longer have to bear the sufferings brought by the communist terrorism. He added that the government is always ready to help them reunite with their families and start a new life through the livelihood, scholarship, housing, and financial assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
LtGen. Almerol also expressed willingness to help the remaining CTG members avail of free Covid-19 jabs so that they can also be protected from the harm brought by Covid-19.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The series of skirmishes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur this week only exposed the NPA’s long practice of arming minors to join the armed struggle.
In an encounter on June 15, the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) fired at the troops and detonated anti-personnel mine to evade the forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) who were tracking them at vicinity of Sitio New Decoy, Diatagon, Lianga after the initial encounter with the same group the previous day.
The exchange of bullets lasted for about 10 minutes which led to the death of three NPA members identified as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20, and a 12-year-old girl (name withheld).
LtCol. Benedict Harvey Gernale, Commanding Officer of 3SFBn said that the first encounter with the NPA transpired on June 14 around 2p.m. while a Special Forces Team was conducting security operations to verify the presence of armed group foraging for food in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The troops were able to rescue a minor from the incident and brought her safely to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur in coordination with the Philippine National Police.
This is not the first time that a minor was armed by the NPA as the data from EastMinCom revealed that 12.3% of the 1,691 former rebels that were profiled by the Command from 2016 to 2020 were minors. It was further found in the former rebels’ profiles that the average age of minors recruited by the NPA is 17, the youngest of whom was only 12 years old.
Brigadier General Oliver T. Vesliño, Acting Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Joint Task Force Diamond, said that the AFP units under JTF Diamond will continue its relentless security operations against the CTG in Caraga Region to destroy the armed group and stop its resource generation and recruitment of minors.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol also said that this is an old trick of the NPA to tag their member as an ordinary civilian especially if the casualty happens to be a minor.
“I am appealing to the hearts of the CPP-NPA-NDF to get real and stop recruiting children into the armed struggle. If they really have hearts, then they should know better that those children are meant to live their dreams. They have no place in the battleground,” LtGen. Almerol said.
EastMinCom is now preparing pertinent documents to file charges against the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF for violating the provision of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which prohibits the use of children in armed conflict.
Meanwhile, five NPA members were killed, two were captured, and seven capitulated in various focused military operations launched by EastMinCom units since June 1 until press time. Fifteen firearms were also seized by the troops in these encounters.
LtGen. Almerol said that these focused military operations are part of the Command’s mission to clear barangays from the atrocities of the NPA and to ensure that the implementation of projects under the Barangay Development Program will go unhampered.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The relentless military offensives launched by various units of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under LtGen. Greg T. Almerol continued to bring the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) forces to a steady decline especially with the recent arrest of two high-ranking members and surrender of four more in Eastern Mindanao.
An intel operation launched by the combined forces of the 58th Infantry Battalion and an AFP intelligence units led to the arrest of two leaders of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC-1, NCMRC) identified as Manuelito Satur alias Misong/Estong, Secretary and Merlyn Satur alias Maya, Deputy Secretary in Brgy Alagatan, Gingoog City on September 16, 2021.
Troops also seized from their possession several high-powered firearms such as an M4 Rifle, an M203 Grenade launcher, a Cal .45 Pistol with magazine loaded with ammunition, and four 40mm Grenades, among others.
Meanwhile, a series of Law Enforcement and Support Operation (LESO) launched by the joint forces of the 23rd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police also compelled another four CTG leaders of Guerilla Front 4A (GF4A), NCMRC identified as Khim Agad Mapoy alias Patrick, 27, the Front Secretary; Loreto Agad Mapoy alias Arvin, 34, Commanding Officer of Platoon Joker; Mary Chris Callanta alias Noem, 24, Political Guide of Squad Uno, Platoon Joker; and Rolando A Morata alias Pang, 52, Political Instructor, who yielded on September 15 after realizing that putting up a fight for a useless cause will only bring them harm and a hopeless future.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol said that the CTG leaders decided to surrender after experiencing hunger and fatigue in several encounters with the troops.
“The successive neutralization of high-ranking CTG leaders and members tilted the operational balance of the group that with just one false move, it could lead to their ultimate collapse in no time,” LtGen. Almerol said.
“As part of our mandated tasks as protector of the Filipino people, EastMinCom will never stop going after peace spoilers until the communist terrorism ends that is why we are urging the remaining CTG members to come forward and lay down your arms,” LtGen. Almerol stressed.
The EastMinCom Commander added that its door is wide open for those who want to embrace a new life and will see to it that they will get all the assistance they need through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that the only better option available for the CTG members is to yield peacefully than continue suffering from a cause that no longer has a place in society.
“The populace, Local Government Units, and law enforcement agencies are all working hard together to put an end to the decades-old communist terrorism in the country,” LtGen. Almerol added.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A wanted top leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was arrested for multiple charges by the combined Army and Police forces at Purok 3, Barangay Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon on September 15, 2021.
The arrested communist terrorist leader was identified as Adelaida “Loida” Magpatok alias Gwen/Emyang/Kudaw/Robby was the former Secretary of Far South Mindanao Region, National Democratic (NDF) consultant and also a member of its Central Committee.
Adelaida was arrested in a Law Enforcement and Support Operation launched by the joint forces of the 88th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP) Quezon, and AFP Intelligence units based on warrant of arrest dated September 3, 2001 issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7 Executive Judge Zenaida Placer in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur for Robbery with Double Homicide and Damage to Properties.
Adelaida has another standing arrest warrant for murder charged before RTC Branch 10 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte issued by Presiding Judge Orlando Doyon on September 10, 2001. Adelaide has been considered by the PNP as one of the most wanted persons. She is currently detained at the PNP Quezon precinct for proper disposition.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), lauded the joint AFP forces and the PNP for the recent feat.
"This is but an ultimate example that the security forces could accomplish more if there is synergy among us. Together, we can bring the peace and security situation in the country to newer heights,” the Eastmincom Commander said.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that every arrest of a key CTG personality brings the country one step closer to its ultimate goal of becoming an insurgency-free nation. He added that this victory is not only a milestone for Eastmincom but a triumph for the people of Eastern Mindanao.
The Eastmincom Commander also reiterated that the participation of the local populace is crucial to the attainment of long-lasting peace in the communities.
“I enjoin the people to continue cultivating the culture of peace and security as we aim to make our country free from any threats of terrorism,” LtGen Almerol said.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Team Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has put the New People’s Army (NPA) at a disadvantage in the recent skirmishes in Talakag and Valencia City on September 9 and 10, respectively, which resulted to the death of a rebel, arrest of four more including two minor combatants.
EastMinCom’s 88th Infantry Battalion (88th IB) figured in a series of clashes against 10 armed NPA rebels belonging to Platoon Bagsik, Guerrilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee-2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) headed by alias DR following a tip from concerned citizens which prompted the troops to track down their hideouts at the deserted area of Purok 10, So. Narulang, Barangay Laligan Valencia City on September 10, 2021.
The firefight lasted for around 30 minutes which resulted in the arrest of two NPA members identified as Romeo Campilan alias June and Angelyn Naingue alias Inday and the rescue of two minor combatants identified as alias RK, 15, and Jason, 17. Troops also seized their firearms composed of three M16 Rifles and three AR15 Rifles.
Meanwhile, the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) successfully prevented the NPA’s plan to destroy the equipment of the 524th Engineering Brigade in the construction of a road project in Barangay Baylanan, Talakag, Bukidnon on September 9, 2021.
The 1SFBn encountered around 20 members of Guerilla Front 68B of the Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the NCMRC at Sitio. Piglacogan, Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon which led to the death of 1 rebel and the seizure of an M16 Rifle, a 9MM Barrette, and two rifle grenades.
LtGen. Almerol said that these clashes send a strong statement that the people are already fed up with the NPA’s continued atrocities in their communities, therefore making them more participative in the military’s campaign to end the communist insurgency by reporting suspicious men and activities.
The EastMinCom Commander also said that the parents’ drive to protect their children from the NPA’s recruitment schemes and deceptive tactics make them more eager to participate especially that it is now made known to the public that the NPA is desperate enough to recruit children to become combatants.
The troops’ recent rescue of combatant minors only shows the NPA’s desperate recruitment of innocent children to the armed struggle. They have no regard for the lives of minors and it is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law.
Moreover, LtGen. Almerol said that the NPA’s atrocious acts only prove that it is anti-family and development because it continues to recruit minors and destroy government developmental projects.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said: “I enjoin the remaining NPA members and leaders to embrace the government’s sincere offer to help them start a new life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). We do not want any more bloodshed and through ECLIP, we can help you to live a better life”.
LtGen. Almerol stressed that Team EastMinCom will not stop until the communist insurgency comes to an end and intends to finish the job by 2022 before the end of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP