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 - A unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a police station in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur killing a civilian and wounding another on Thursday, June 24 around 9 pm.
Fifteen armed Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) of the Guerrilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee harassed the town’s police station in a 20-minute firefight against the cops, prompting the troops of 36th Infantry Battalion to respond.
As the exchange of fires continued, the CTG burned the construction equipment owned by MR1 Construction Company being parked 250 meters away from the police station, which resulted in the killing of a watchman and hurting another.
Authorities identified the cadaver and the wounded but names are withheld pending notification of their families. Both are from Barangay San Roque, Madrid, Surigao del Sur.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol lambasted the NPA’s action, calling it a criminal act and a clear violation of the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law and Republic Act 9851, known as the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
“The Command will see to it that the perpetrators will be held responsible for their crimes. The police and army forces will continue to work together to pursue the bloodthirsty NPA members that had already claimed several lives for years,” Almerol said.
Almerol further added that the NPA’s latest attack only shows their dreadful attempt to be relevant at the expense of civilian lives.
“This is just one of the many innocent lives claimed by the NPA for the sake of its selfish agenda. They have no high regard for human lives and yet they are shamelessly calling themselves the people’s army,” he added.
The Commander also condemned the NPA’s burning of heavy equipment, which were used in the construction of a much-needed diversion road from Brgy Gamuton to Brgy Zone 3, Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur, saying that this mischievous act hampers the economic progress facilitated by the government in the area.
Government forces have already secured the town and launched pursuit operations to catch the perpetrators. As a result, soldiers of the 36th Infantry Battalion engaged in another 10-minute intense firefight against seven CTGs at Sitio Poog, Brgy Maitum, Tandag, Surigao del Sur around 12:30 pm on June 25 which led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle.
This came after Almerol directed immediately the ground forces to intensify security operations and deter terrorists from spoiling peace among Surigaonons.
The Command also sympathizes with the family of the victims, currently mourning due to the untimely death of their loved one.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command’s (EastMinCom) top performing units received monetary reward for a total of P9-Million during a ceremony held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan, Davao City on June 15, 2021, for neutralizing several high ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA).
No less than Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana and EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol personally handed over the cash reward to EastMinCom’s top-performing units for the successful neutralization of NPA leaders in various operations from 2020 up to press time.
Of the P11-Million reward, P9-Million was given to units under EastMinCom and P2-Million was given to a unit under Western Mindanao Command.
Among the neutralized high-value individuals were Marcelino Navarro of NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee 2nd Deputy Secretary & Head of Education and Propaganda; Manuel Magante Gilo, the Finance Officer of Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (ROC-SMRC); Romeo Lendio Libron, ROC-SMRC Commanding Officer; Rogelio Masaya Udal, Regional Ordinance member & former Pulang Bagani Command (PBC-1) Vice Commanding Officer; Zaldy Gulmatico Pulido, Secretary of Guerrilla Front 53; and Danny Huit, Secretary of Guerrilla Front North, SRC-1, SMRC.
In his address to the troops, Gen. Sobejana said that the rewards were provided by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who directed him to personally hand over the monetary reward and convey his message to the troops.
“Our President really monitors what we are doing. In fact, I heard from him the units that made a difference and contributed more towards the attainment of sustainable peace and development shall be recognized. And that is a manifestation that our Commander-in-Chief does not want our accomplishments to go unnoticed,” Gen. Sobejana said.
The AFP Chief of Staff, however, stressed that even in the absence of monetary rewards the troops stand ready to serve the country and protect the Filipinos.
“We do not want to impress upon the public that our soldiers expected a reward to every move but we want to demonstrate that even without it, your soldiers are motivated and ready to serve. We are always on the go and we ensure that we are able to uphold our mandates as the defender of the territory and protector of the Filipino people,” Gen. Sobejana added.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops for their hard work that led to the successful neutralization of several NPA leaders within EastMinCom’s area of responsibility.
“Thank you for bringing honor not only to your units but to EastMinCom as well. Team EastMinCom is truly proud of your contributions to peace and security,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana had previously commended EastMinCom for sustaining its standing as the best Unified Command in terms of accomplishments in both combat and non-combat operations during his previous visit to EastMincom last May 24, 2021.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA Panacan, Davao City – A guerrilla unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) was purged of fighters and firepower following the arrest and surrender of 14 of its members and supporters as a result of the series of clashes with the troops which culminated on May 24 in Makilala, North Cotabato.
The NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) was deemed ineffective after its seven high-ranking members were captured and four regular members and another three of its supporters surrendered following the intensive military operations launched by the troops of 39th Infantry Battalion.
The high-ranking members were identified as alias Maruz, PBC Secretary, Sub-Regional Committee 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC-3, SMRC); alias Niña, Platoon Medic; alias Yumi, head of Regional Medical Staff, SMRC and Political Instructor of PBC, SRC3, SMRC; alias Kid, Squad Leader of Segunda, PBC; alias Gleen, Platoon Medic; alias Roy, Vice Commanding Officer; and alias Jal, Team Leader of Baking Squad, PBC, SRC3, SMRC.
The PBC also suffered severe loss of weapons as government troops seized 11 high-powered firearms comprised of M16s, Bushmaster rifles, and M60 machine gun.
The skirmishes first broke out in Brgy. New Israel, Makilala in North Cotabato on May 20 when government forces encountered the members of the guerrilla group to a 20-minute firefight. The clash persisted on May 21 as troops relentlessly pursued the NPAs until this armed group were cornered to a disadvantaged position that resulted to the arrest of four high-ranking NPA members.
As a result of the endless pursuit of the troops against the armed group, the remaining forces of the PBC surrendered separate occasion on May 22, 23, and 24. Four of them surrendered thru the help of the Barangay officials from Biangan, Makilala.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander LTGen. Greg Almerol lauded the troops for their relentless efforts to end the decades of terror brought by the NPA unit in Makilala and for bringing about relevant accomplishments that are conducive to the economic prosperity of communities.
“This accomplishment mirrors the futile attempt of the Communist Terrorist Group to seize power. There is no longer a place for them in the country. The people have grown tired of their violent ideology that has been causing local economies to suffer,” LTGen. Almerol said.
LTGen. Almerol also attributed the success of the operation to the local government officials’ firm support to the military’s campaign to end the communist armed conflict and through the different communities’ active sharing of information to the government forces.
“This time, communities, Local Government Units, and security forces in both cities and rural areas have learned to work together to put an end to the communist insurgency that has only benefitted a few selfish individuals,” LTGen. Almerol added, saying that this culture of Bayanihan has been spurred by the Whole-of-Nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.
LTGen. Almerol further said that the defeat of PBC has an inter-regional significance and impact, particularly in Regions 11 and 12 and in Davao City, for it only means that there are no longer massive extortion activities and burning of pieces of heavy equipment.
“With the PBC out of the picture, investors and local businessmen will now be at ease knowing that the number one standing block of their businesses has already been eliminated. Likewise, ordinary citizens will now have more job opportunities as a result of the increasing economic activities in the area,” LTGen. Almerol remarked.
Aside from incapacitating the PBC, EastMinCom also neutralized a total of 97 enemies where five were killed, 15 captured, and 64 surrendered. Another 13 of the NPA’s supporters also withdrew their support to the group and pledged their allegiance to the government.
The enemy’s weapons were also reduced as troops seized a total of 50 high-powered and low-powered firearms within the same period all over Eastern Mindanao.
“To the remaining members of the NPA, now is the best time to come forward and surrender peacefully. You will be taken cared of by the government through the different livelihood and financial assistance and scholarship and housing programs, among others from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” LTGen. Almerol urges.
LTGen. Almerol added that EastMinCom will remain steadfast in upholding its mandate of serving the people and securing the land from any threats and will ensure that all areas in Eastern Mindanao that are already cleared from insurgency will remain free from the clutches of the enemies.
EastMinCom also continues to rally for the support of the local government officials and different national government agencies in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos through programs for peace and nation-building initiatives.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
“This time, communities, Local Government Units, and security forces in both cities and rural areas have learned to work together to put an end to the communist insurgency that has only benefitted a few selfish individuals,” LTGen. Almerol added, saying that this culture of Bayanihan has been spurred by the Whole-of-Nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.
LTGen. Almerol further said that the defeat of PBC has an inter-regional significance and impact, particularly in Regions 11 and 12 and in Davao City, for it only means that there are no longer massive extortion activities and burning of pieces of heavy equipment.
“With the PBC out of the picture, investors and local businessmen will now be at ease knowing that the number one standing block of their businesses has already been eliminated. Likewise, ordinary citizens will now have more job opportunities as a result of the increasing economic activities in the area,” LTGen. Almerol remarked.
Aside from incapacitating the PBC, EastMinCom also neutralized a total of 97 enemies where five were killed, 15 captured, and 64 surrendered. Another 13 of the NPA’s supporters also withdrew their support to the group and pledged their allegiance to the government.
The enemy’s weapons were also reduced as troops seized a total of 50 high-powered and low-powered firearms within the same period all over Eastern Mindanao.
“To the remaining members of the NPA, now is the best time to come forward and surrender peacefully. You will be taken cared of by the government through the different livelihood and financial assistance and scholarship and housing programs, among others from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” LTGen. Almerol urges.
LTGen. Almerol added that EastMinCom will remain steadfast in upholding its mandate of serving the people and securing the land from any threats and will ensure that all areas in Eastern Mindanao that are already cleared from insurgency will remain free from the clutches of the enemies.
EastMinCom also continues to rally for the support of the local government officials and different national government agencies in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos through programs for peace and nation-building initiatives.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA Panacan, Davao City - Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana commended the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for sustaining its standing as the best Unified Command in terms of accomplishments in both combat and non-military operations.
This pronouncement was made by General Sobejana during his “Talk to Troops” on May 24 at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan, Davao City.
Gen. Sobejana said that EastMinCom’s relationships with the communities and the Local Government Units are very commendable and should be sustained.
The AFP Chief of Staff has emphasized in his speech that the troops’ responsibility includes more than just war.
“Our AFP is not just for war. We are doing operations other than war. Our people should understand this,” Gen. Sobejana said, adding that AFP’s role in the society is ‘very relevant’ for its job is multifarious.
General Sobejana stressed the need for the troops to instill among the Filipino citizenry that the military’s role is not confined within the world of warfare, noting that the military dimension in solving the decades-old armed conflict is only about 20%. The Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of the Whole-of-Nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict since he said that 80% of the solution requires the involvement of everybody.
Sobejana explained that there are problems relating to insurgency that are beyond the AFP’s resolve.
Hence, the help of civilians is crucial to the attainment of long lasting peace in the country.
“By way of addressing the economic dimension of war, we are putting an end to the armed conflict without firing a single shot. I just want to impress upon you that our arms and ammunitions are not the ultimate solutions to our security problem. We at the AFP should understand that,” he said but he was quick to add that this does not mean that soldiers should be unarmed.
EastMinCom, along with the other Unified Commands of the AFP, is working with other government agencies, Local Government Units and Civil Society Organizations in uplifting Filipino lives by establishing programs that are conducive to nation-building.
Among the most recent non-military activities of the Command are the establishment of “Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” program which ensures the peaceful and orderly distribution of donated goods to the people who need it most. It has already benefitted around 1,300 families in Eastern Mindanao who have been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. EastMinCom also continually mobilizes its troops to serve as frontliners in the fight against Covid-19 as we ensure a peaceful atmosphere of Eastern Mindanao.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA Panacan, Davao City – Some 1,000 families in Mindanao had benefitted from the mushrooming community pantries supported by the Eastern Mindanao Command’s (EastMinCom) units.
EastMinCom immediately mobilized its troops in response to the outpouring support from its different stakeholders who wanted to amplify the spirit of Bayanihan through the setting up of peace-leaning community pantries to help Mindanaoans who have been badly hit by the pandemic.
The collective actions by the units were inspired by the directive issued by EastMinCom Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol which calls for the launching of the “Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” program that ensures the peaceful and orderly distribution of donated goods to the people who need it most.
The program themed “Kayang Kaya at May Pag-asa Basta’t Magkakaisa” aims to support the efforts of the national and local governments in protecting the collective interest of the people and in responding to the call of solidarity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Three hundred families recently benefitted from a community pantry jointly spearheaded by the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and the Local Government Units of Davao City at Brgy 5-A Covered Court in Bankerohan on May 7.
Meanwhile, 130 families also received bags of rice and assorted canned goods from a Tulong Bayanihan outlet set up by the Tactical Operations Group 10 in Barangay Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro City on May 4.
Different Local Government Units in Cotabato worked hand in hand with the troops of 39th Infantry Battalion in putting up donation hubs at Purok Mahugani, Brgy Luayon and Purok 3, Brgy Sta Felomina in Makilala, Cotabato on April 16 to hand out food packs to 122 residents.
Through the aid of the Mindanao Peace Council, H.O.P.E Kababaihan Foundation, Samahan Student Leaders of Ateneo de Davao University, and the Agumil Philippines, Inc., the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) was able to set up a Tulong Bayanihan outlet in Barangay Talomo, Davao City on April 24 where 220 residents were able to get bags of rice, assorted canned goods, and sachets of coffee and energy drink.
Another Tulong Bayanihan outlet facilitated by TOW-EM, Tactical Operations Group 11, and Philippine Air Force Civil-Military Operation Group also sprouted at Bureau of Air Transportation Compound, Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City on April 29 which drew 210 residents benefitted from the donated goods composed of rice, canned goods, vegetables, and sachets of energy drink.
MGen. Almerol expressed his gratitude to the Command’s peace partners who have continually shown their support for peace and development in Mindanao amid the pandemic. In all Tulong Bayanihan para sa Bayan outlet, facilitated by EastMinCom units, the standard health protocols have been strictly observed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.
“The establishment of Tulong Bayanihan Para sa Sambayanan Program would not have been possible if it were not for the firm support and selfless acts of the different stakeholders who have went the extra mile just to watch over their fellow Filipinos in these very challenging times,” MGen. Almerol said.
“The whole EastMinCom stands ready to support community pantries which are set up with pure intentions to help and uphold the Filipino culture of Bayanihan but frowns upon those who might try to exploit or take advantage of this kind gesture,” MGen. Almerol added.
The EastMinCom Commander also urged the Command’s peace partners to continue working with the government forces in replicating this endeavor to ensure that the peace-loving people of Mindanao will be protected from entities who are trying to spoil peace in the communities.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP