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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 – 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
NSFA Panacan, Davao City – A fugitive top-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader and his wife who also served as a medic of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in an encounter with the troops in Barangay Sta. Maria, Trento, Agusan del Sur on April 26, 2021.
NPA’s Guerrilla Front North, Sub-Regional Command-1, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee Secretary Danny Huit alias Bosyong and his wife, Naneth G. Catalino alias Bambam/Keith, were slain after a skirmish with the troops of the 67th Infantry Battalion (67th IB) who pursued the couple after receiving a tip-off from a resident about the presence of armed individuals.
Huit had been on a wanted list for several charges including one count of frustrated murder, one count of homicide, two counts of arson, and one count of rebellion which are pending before Regional Trial Court Branches 7, 3, and 32 in Baganga, Davao Oriental; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; and Lupon, Davao Oriental, respectively.
Col. Oliver C. Maquiling, Commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade who operationally holds the 67th IB, lauded the relentless efforts of the troops to secure the communities by running after the communist terrorists.
MGen. Ernesto C. Torres, the Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, also commended the troops for standing by their mandate of protecting the people from lawless elements, adding that they will not give the enemies a chance to bring more terror among peace-loving communities.
Meanwhile, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) MGen. Greg T. Almerol also praised the active participation of the community by immediately reporting suspicious individuals to authorities.
“The sustained coordination between the troops and the people is the key to the Command’s goal of building an insurgency-free and resilient communities. Without their firm support, we cannot fully uproot the evils brought by the CTG,” MGen. Almerol said.
MGen. Almerol reiterated his call for the remaining members of the CTGs to yield to the government peacefully instead of stubbornly fighting for a cause that only sows terror and violence.
“Choosing to die for a cause that has already claimed several innocent lives is not a noble act. The blood of the people you killed for your selfish political agenda will forever haunt you. History will only absolve you if you choose to surrender peacefully and help the country in building a peaceful and progressive Philippines,” MGen. Almerol said, addressing the CTG members who remain in the armed struggle.
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 Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A series of encounters in different areas of Eastern Mindanao resulted in the death of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the seizure of several of their high-powered firearms.
A 40-minute skirmish with around 50 Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) that erupted at Sitio Tun-ogan, Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon on April 16, 2021 resulted to the death of an NPA member after troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) thwarted the NPA’s planned atrocities.
The 1SFBn learned that the NPA was hatching plans of massive attacks through tip-off by the residents in the area, hence prompting them to take timely action. Troops also seized firearms, ammunition, and an improvised explosive device (IED) after the encounter.
Another NPA member was also slain in a separate encounter between the CNTs belonging to the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and troops of 3rd Special Forces Battalion at Sitio Magkahunao, Barangay Buhisan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on April 14.
Troops also recovered a total of four firearms composed of two M16A1 rifles, an AK 47 rifle, and M653 rifle, and two bandoleers bearing five fully-loaded M16 magazines and four fully-loaded AK47 magazines from the encounter site.
In two other separate skirmishes on April 8 and April 12 respectively, soldiers of the 36th Infantry Battalion and 29th Infantry Battalion further weakened the NPA’s firepower after recovering several high-powered firearms composed of an M14 rifle, M16 rifle, AK47 rifle, an IED and several ammunitions.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol credited the success of the operations to the troops’ sustained crackdown on CNTs and the communities’ firm support on the government’s initiative to put an end to the local communist armed conflict.
“The communities’ timely reports and coordination with the troops play crucial roles in the success of our operations. Without their firm support, we would not be able to curtail the NPA’s planned atrocities,” MGen. Almerol said and adding that this only reflects the Filipinos’ sentiments against the NPA.
The EastMinCom Commander further extended his invitation to the remaining CNTs to peacefully surrender to the government and abandon their cause.
“The current peace and security situation in Eastern Mindanao reflects that there is no longer a place for the NPA to thrive. Many Barangays have already declared NPA members as persona non-grata and people in the communities are already aversed to their presence,” MGen. Almerol added.
“I urge the remaining NPA members to stop hurting themselves further by stubbornly fighting for a cause that has nowhere to go. Now is the best time to surrender as the government has already designed programs that will help you start a new life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” MGen Almerol reiterated.
MGen. Almerol furthered that although the Command dislikes the idea of using force but would not hesitate to use it should it be compelling in order to protect innocent lives.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – In what is considered to be a bold display of their defiance to the Communist Terrorist Group, three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol at the 402nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Bancasi, Butuan City instead of joining their comrades in a celebration on March 29.
The three NPA members who surrendered to the EastMinCom Commander, who happened to visit the 402nd Brigade, were identified as Squad Uno, SDG CAOCAO Team Leader alias Brake/Dante, 20, alias Nike/Max, 17, and alias Andy/Many, 26, who all hailed from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. They brought with them firearms including an M16 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher and a revolver.
The yielders expressed that they were left with no choice but to surrender especially that their mass base supporters have already turned against them, making them scampering and starving for their life. They also exposed the lies and false promises of the NPA which remained unfulfilled to this date, saying that they have gained nothing from the movement but only scars, wounds, and near-death experiences.
“I join the yielders in refusing to validate the NPA’s existence by refraining from mentioning any of its significant celebrations because after all, their movement has only brought grief and death to many innocent lives especially to the members of different tribes in Eastern Mindanao,” MGen. Almerol said.
“The NPA’s violent ideology has been persecuting our people for too long. Let us not allow another Filipino citizen to fall prey to their blind cause,” MGen. Almerol reiterated, urging the public and stakeholders to continue their support in sustaining the government’s peace and security agenda.
“We have already seen that by working together, we can easily extinguish the menace that is the NPA. With everyone on board, we can expect more NPA members and their cadres surrendering in the coming days,” the EastMinCom Commander added.
All NPA members who previously surrendered to the government are already enjoying different government programs and services such as financial assistance, livelihood training, scholarship, and housing under the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) package.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Twenty-one members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in different parts of Eastern Mindanao cut ties with the reds after experiencing hardship and betrayal under the armed struggle while four other communist terrorists were killed in separate incidents after launching offensives against the troops from March 12 to 22.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander MGen. Greg T. Almerol made good on his vow to pursue high-value targets as two ranking members of the NPA were apprehended and one voluntarily surrendered to the troops in less than a month since he assumed the highest post of the Command.
The 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) identified the apprehended communist terrorist leaders as Cecilia Acenas alias Leah, Finance Officer of the Regional Urban Committee, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and Mary Jane Villados alias Ging-Ging/Tanya, the Finance Officer of the Sub-Regional Committee-2, NCMRC while GF ALIP, Far South Mindanao Region Secretary Anelfa Camag Gemilo alias Nanay Tasing also surrendered to the troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion. EastMinCom troops apprehended a total of eight NPA members within the same period
Among the most notable feats over the past week was the simultaneous surrender of 13 NPA members from the municipalities of San Luis, Esperanza, La Paz, and Talacogon in Agusan del Sur on March 15 as a result of the cooperation among different government agencies and 26IB.
The 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) also clashed with the NPA in Barangay San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon on March 20, 2021, which resulted in the death of two terrorists and the seizure of firearms.
The 72IB also captured three members of Guerrilla Front 53 identified as Leonardo Ejanel alias Gamay, Ryan Desalao, and Merlyn Benano Bentang while two other communist terrorists identified as Jhonrey Patosa alias Rex/Rey/Glenn, Jerome Andilao alias Buddy Boy were killed in separate clashes against 30IB and 58IB, respectively.
Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander MGen. Almerol applauded the decisions made by the NPA members to finally surrender and reiterated the assurance of support from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Many former rebels can already attest to the benefits that come with the decision to surrender peacefully but most importantly, nothing is as priceless as having a peace of mind that is free from any forms of violence and atrocities which they can only experience by abandoning the armed struggle,” MGen. Almerol said.
“I call on the remaining communist terrorist to surrender peacefully instead of continuously fighting for a useless cause and blind ideology that has already claimed many innocent lives. Follow the steps of your former comrades who are now enjoying a secure and peaceful lives with the help of the government,” MGen. Almerol said.
The EastMinCom Commander also thanked various government agencies especially the members of the different Regional Task Forces to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for according the Command the support it needs to push for its agenda to protect the people and maintain peace in Eastern Mindanao.
MGen. Almerol also did not let the support of the communities go unnoticed as they have been equally instrumental to the success of the Command especially in actively reporting to the troops any suspicious activities of individuals in the mountains.
“The people have already spoken that they are already fed up of the NPA’s deceits, extortion activities, and violent ideology. Their support to the troops manifests their sincere intentions to get rid of the problems that the NPA has brought to their communities for more than five decades already,” MGen. Almerol remarked.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP