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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 ...
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Team Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under LtGen. Greg T. Almerol delivered again a major blow to the New People’s Army (NPA) as troops relentlessly pursued the rebels in a decisive engagement that resulted in the death of four rebels, the capture of eight others, and the rescue of a minor combatant in Barangay Mabuhay, San Fernando, Bukidnon on September 8, 2021.
Two of the captured NPA members who sustained wounds during the encounter were immediately given first aid by the troops and brought to the nearby hospital for further treatment.
Soldiers from EastMinCom’s 88th Infantry Battalion figured in a one-hour firefight with around 20 members of Guerrilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee under alias Migz, Front Secretary, in response to information from residents that the Communist Terrorist Group was conducting recruitment and extortion activities in their community.
This prompted the unit to conduct strike operations to protect the populace from NPA atrocities, leading them to seize from the rebels’ 16 high-powered firearms composed of five AK47 Rifles, seven M16 Rifles, two M635, one M14 Rifle, and one M203 grenade launcher.
The 12-year-old minor combatant was rescued by the troops from the scene and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of San Fernando for proper disposition.
LtGen. Almerol lambasted the NPA for their continued recruitment of minors as child soldiers which is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law.
“The CPP-NPA-NDF should stop their madness of recruiting children into the armed struggle. If they really have hearts, then they should know better that those children have no place in the battle. They are meant to flourish and live their dreams,” LtGen. Almerol said.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the active participation of the residents of San Fernando who were quick to provide vital and timely information on the presence of armed groups pestering the residents with their unscrupulous activities such as recruitment of ill-informed local townsfolk and harassing ordinary citizens.
"This is proof of the people’s genuine intent to help the government in its crusade for peace and in pushing the end of the local communist armed conflict in their communities," LtGen. Almerol reiterated.
LtGen. Almerol assessed the NPA’s heavy loss would incapacitate the Guerrilla Front Malayag and most likely lead the remaining members to yield peacefully. He also lauded the joint forces of the 4th Infantry Division for the job well done and told them to keep up the good work.
LtGen Almerol also extended his condolences to the families of the slain NPA members whom he reiterated that they were just victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) agenda of violence.
“It is befitting to stress that the whole EastMinCom discourages the use of brute force in confronting the rebels. That is why we continually urge the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and stop sacrificing their lives for a senseless ideology,” LtGen. Almerol said.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said: “Now is the best time to surrender as the government has already designed programs that will help you to start a new life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),” he also added that choosing to die for a cause that has already claimed many innocent lives is not a noble act.
EastMinCom’s units have already assisted several rebels who peacefully surrendered to the government in building a prosperous and peaceful life through livelihood, financial, housing, and scholarship benefits from the government’s ECLIP.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the active participation of the residents of San Fernando who were quick to provide vital and timely information on the presence of armed groups pestering the residents with their unscrupulous activities such as recruitment of ill-informed local townsfolk and harassing ordinary citizens.
“This is proof of the people’s genuine intent to help the government in its crusade for peace and in pushing the end of the local communist armed conflict in their communities,” LtGen. Almerol reiterated.
LtGen. Almerol assessed the NPA’s heavy loss would incapacitate the Guerrilla Front Malayag and most likely lead the remaining members to yield peacefully. He also lauded the joint forces of the 4th Infantry Division for the job well done and told them to keep up the good work.
LtGen Almerol also extended his condolences to the families of the slain NPA members whom he reiterated that they were just victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) agenda of violence.
“It is befitting to stress that the whole EastMinCom discourages the use of brute force in confronting the rebels. That is why we continually urge the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and stop sacrificing their lives for a senseless ideology,” LtGen. Almerol said.
In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said: “Now is the best time to surrender as the government has already designed programs that will help you to start a new life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),” he also added that choosing to die for a cause that has already claimed many innocent lives is not a noble act.
EastMinCom’s units have already assisted several rebels who peacefully surrendered to the government in building a prosperous and peaceful life through livelihood, financial, housing, and scholarship benefits from the government’s ECLIP.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - A high-ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a regular member were killed while high-powered firearms were also seized by the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) in separate operations.
Troops identified the fallen high-ranking leader as alias Asyong, Vice Commander and Political Officer of SYP Platoon 16C1, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Alias Asyong was killed after troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion figured in an armed encounter with 10 NPA members of SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC headed by Roel Neniel alias Jacob at vicinity Suoton, Barangay Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte on September 2, 2021. The firefight lasted for around 15 minutes which resulted in the recovery of two AK47 rifles and an M14 rifle with magazines and bandolier.
The incident transpired after the troops received a tip from concerned citizens about the presence of an armed group, prompting them to conduct relentless patrol and focus military operations to secure the public and the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement Area (MPSA) of three large mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte, namely Taganito Mining Corporation, Taganito High-Pressure Acid Leaching Nickel (THPAL) and Platinum Group Metal Corporation (PGMC).
Another regular NPA member identified as Aldo Higyawan alias Ramon of Platoon Ryan, SRC1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) was killed in a clash with the 58th Infantry Battalion on August 29, 2021, in Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City after the troops followed the traces from an NPA hideout which they discovered in the area and it resulted to the recovery of two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, assorted medical paraphernalia, and other war materials and documents.
Meanwhile, an M14 rifle hidden in a farm hut by Dante Cuyos alias DR, Political Officer of Platoon Bagsik, Guerrilla Front Malayag Sub-Regional Committee 2, NCMRC was seized by the troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion at the vicinity of Sitio Dakila, Barangay Salawagan, Quezon, Bukidnon on September 1, 2021. It was revealed by Jovet Rivero Hinampas alias Valdez who surrendered to 3rd IB last April 26, 2021.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol assessed that the death of alias Asyong was a big blow to the SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC whose fate is now left in the hands of inexperienced members.
“We abhor the idea of bloodshed and we do not want to see another rebel dying for the sake of the Communist Terrorist Group. Therefore, I ask the remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully instead of wasting their lives on a senseless ideology,” LtGen. Almerol said.
LtGen. Almerol lauded the concerned citizens for providing timely information that thwarted the NPA’s planned atrocities.
“This is proof of the people’s genuine intent to help the government in its crusade for peace and in pushing the end of the local communist armed conflict in their communities,” Almerol reiterated.
LtGen. Almerol also extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the slain NPA members whom he said were just victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) deceptive schemes and selfish agenda.
“May this serve as a solid example that supporting the CPP’s cause will only bring pain and suffering to those who continue to push for its agenda which only epitomizes terrorism and violence,” Almerol said.
Moreover, LtGen. Almerol enjoined the remaining NPA members to yield peacefully instead of continuing to fight for a pointless ideology. He also urged them to instead embrace the government’s sincere offer to help through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
EastMinCom continues to help rebels who chose to surrender and be part of the government’s effort for peace and development through the E-CLIP where they can enjoy several benefits including financial and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, scholarship, and free housing units, among others.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol along with OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez, Talaingod Mayor Jonie Libayao, Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) Chairperson Reynaldo Mapagu and other government officials attended ceremonial turn-over of one hundred sixty-eight (168) housing units to internally displaced members of indigenous tribes in the town of Talaingod, Davao del Norte. These housing units are provided by the National Housing Authority (NHA) through its General Manager Marcelino Escalada costing P200,000 each.
In ceremonies held on last Aug 16 and 20 respectively, sixty (68) units were awarded to beneficiaries from Sito Tibucag, Barangay Dagohoy and another one hundred (100) housing units went to IP beneficiaries of Sitio Mesolong, Barangay Sto. Niño both in the town of Talaingod. Aside from the newly-constructed houses, the beneficiaries also received food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and solar radio transistors from Davao del Norte LGU while the remaining displaced families can expect their future homes as more housing units are being built by NHA in New Corella, Davao del Norte. Earlier, other government-sponsored housing units have been given to the IPs families located at Sitio Nasilaban, Sitio Gatong, and Sitio Cuyas of the same municipality.
This is the national government support to relocate IP communities to their rightful place who were previously affected by the armed conflict when Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) “Taktikang Bakwit”, lured IP members to leave their communities and exploited them as participants during rallies and propaganda activities against the government in urban areas.
TFBL Chairperson Mapagu, in his statement, also called on beneficiaries to take care of the houses given them as a symbol of a united family, adding that the CTG has been destroying families by taking away each family member to form part of the CTG affiliated organization.
Datu Dante Sibugan, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude to the government especially to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the NHA, DND, and OPAPP for giving them decent shelters. He also extended his request for the government to provide more housing units for other IP members who are bound to settle back to their communities.
Meanwhile, EastMinCom through the inspired leadership of LtGen. Almerol is honored and will always be a reliable partner in community building and the greater nation-building in implementing the national comprehensive development programs for the people of Eastern Mindanao. Putting “roofs in their heads” is one impact project that will give decency to the lives of these indigenous peoples that redound to their security, safety, and well-being.
“We hope that through this program, the IPs’ trust in our government will be solidified and further sustained. The collaboration of the leaders of various government agencies, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is a concrete manifestation that the government is sincere in supporting the indigenous people in improving their standard of living,” LtGen. Almerol said.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) is facilitating assistance to a pregnant top honcho of the New People’s Army guerrilla unit after her surrender to the Joint Military Forces conducting an Intelligence Operation at Sitio Lamuak, Barangay Catilacan, Pikit, North Cotabato on August 01, 2021.
The NPA leader who surrendered was identified by the Joint Forces of the 10th Infantry Division, 6th Infantry Division, and Intel units as Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit, the Secretary of Guerrilla Front 55 (GF55), Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Marikit has long been under the radar of the military for her involvement in several extortion activities and armed clashes with the troops in the past. She was also affiliated with the League of Filipino Students and Gabriela Youth.
Further information revealed that Marikit was the party wife of Rommel Tausan alias Rommel, the former Commanding Officer of SRGU/GF 55, SRC5, SMRC who died in an armed encounter with the 27th Infantry Battalion. At present, she is in a relationship with Daniel Bandalan alias Regoy, the current Commanding Officer of GF55, SRC5, SMRC, and the father of the child she is expecting.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol said that the military will ensure the safety and welfare of Marikit, especially that she is expecting a child. He added that troops are working with other government agencies to facilitate the needs for her upcoming delivery.
“The Command will help Marikit to get financial assistance and other benefits from government programs and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as she starts to live a new life,” Almerol said.
“We hope that she could also convince her current partner, alias Regoy, to surrender peacefully so that they can start a harmonious life together with their baby,” Almerol added. Almerol emphasized that the Command wanted Marikit to experience redemption through the government’s deradicalization and reintegration programs.
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Almerol is expecting some members of GF55 to capitulate in the coming days since historically speaking, a surrender of an NPA leader encourages other members to follow suit.
“I commend our troops who are working tirelessly day and night just to go after the Communist Terrorist Groups which had been the reason why economic growth in some Eastern Mindanao areas is slow. Indeed, persistence and determination to positively transform our communities are the keys to achieving our goal,” Almerol reiterated.
Marikit is one of the several NPA leaders who surrendered this year along with Pedro Arnado, Chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (KMP-SMRC) and National Treasurer; Ruel Dum-ogan alias Regan, Commanding Officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and his wife DN Saritao, Platoon Medic of Platoon 1 of the same unit; Marvin Magrano alias Loloy, former provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Sarangani Province and also the Vice-Chairman of the now-defunct Guerrilla Front Tala’s Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan and Regional Headquarters, SMRC; Eping Iligan Salahay alias John, Commanding Officer and Milisyang Bayan of GF21C, NEMRC; Romeo Bontulan, Team Leader of Squad Abe, RHQ, SMRC; and alias Dala, a former Commanding Officer of SYP Gabon, Guerrilla Front 88.
Almerol urged the remaining NPA members to heed the government’s call for them to surrender peacefully and avail of the many benefits such as financial and livelihood assistance, housing, scholarship, and others that await them through the E-CLIP.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The different units of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) paid tribute to the soldiers who died in the C-130 military plane crash in Sulu on July 4.
Troops all over Eastern Mindanao expressed their solemn grief over the loss of their comrades and honored their patriotism by conducting several activities including an interfaith memorial service, wreath-laying, flag retreat ceremonies, offering of financial assistance to the bereaved families, assigning of vigil guards, rendering of full military honors, and the conferment of posthumous awards, among others.
EastMinCom Headquarters spearheaded the simultaneous conduct of interfaith memorial service on July 10 facilitated by the Command Chaplain, a pastor, and an imam. It was followed by wreath-laying and flag retreat ceremonies to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the fallen comrades. The Order of Lapu-Lapu was also posthumously awarded to the fallen soldiers whose cadavers arrived in Davao City.
The 4th Infantry Division, 403rd Brigade, and 901st Brigade also conducted similar activities in their respective jurisdictions on the same date.
The Tactical Operations Wing-Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) also rendered full military honors and posthumously awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 1st Lt. Sheena Alexandra Tato and Airman First Class Fortunate Regidor upon arrival of their remains in Davao City on July 9 and 11, respectively.
Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol visited the wake of 1Lt Karl Joseph T. Hintay, one of the soldiers who died in the ill-fated C-130 aircraft, and personally handed over the Command’s financial assistance to the family at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Chapel in Davao City on July 12. Prior to this, LtGen. Almerol also went to Cagayan de Oro to personally visit the wake of six more soldiers who perished in the same aircraft crash.
On July 12, TOW-EM rendered another full military honors and awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the late Pvt. Archie Barba upon arrival of his remains at the Davao Air Station, Barangay Sasa, Davao City.
Five more fallen soldiers namely PFC Carlos Dapanas Jr from Manticao, MisOr; TSg Nelson Hadjiri from Kadingilan, Bukidnon; PFC Philip Dante Camilosa from Bit-os, Butuan City; Pvt Carlos Jhun Paragua Jr from Manila De Bugabos, Butuan City; and Cpl Jay-ar Obenita from Lianga, Surigao del Sur were also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu by the 4th ID upon arrival of their remains at Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City on July 12.
The 402nd Brigade also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the late Army S/Sgt. Butch Maestro in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on July 13, 2021.
LtGen. Almerol also paid visit to the wake of late 1st Lt. Tato on July 13 at her residence in Ecoland Subdivision and to A1C Regidor’s wake on July 14 at his residence in Mawab, Davao de Oro and handed over the Command’s financial assistance to their families, respectively. In the latter, LtGen. Almerol was accompanied by Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy and 1001st Brigade Commander BGen. Luis Rex Bergante.
Moreover, LtGen. Almerol visited the wake of Pvt. Archie Barba at Purok Rambutan, Barangay Datu Abdul, Panabo City on July 16 along with LtCol. Victorino M. Seño, the Commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion and extended financial assistance to the grieving family.
“Team EastMinCom grieved for these brave men and women whose lives had ended unexpectedly. It seems so painful that words alone cannot convey the struggle of understanding why such an accident happened, especially for those young soldiers who were full of enthusiasm to carry out the mission of protecting our people and nation,” Almerol expressed.
“Despite the challenges and difficulties they faced; we know deep in our hearts that they are bound together by a firm bond of valor. We salute them. We shall honor their sacrifices, hard work, and memory forever,” Almerol added.
Almerol also encouraged everyone to be strong and let the memories of the fallen soldiers inspire them to continue to do good for the country and the people.
“To the family of our departed comrades, I know that this is a difficult time for you but your loved ones died for a noble cause. We share your grief as we too have lost dedicated colleagues and loyal comrades,” Almerol remarked.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP