With the theme "EMC@17: Padayon sa Panaghiusa sa Pagkab-ot sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan sa Sidlakang Mindanao," EastMinCom commemorated the event by presenting its accomplishments and recognizing the civilian stakeholders, military personnel, and Civilian Human Resources who demonstrated unwavering support in its previous and latest campaigns.

 

Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon of the Office for Capability Assessment and Development of the Department of National Defense (DND) graced the ceremony as the Guest of Honor and Speaker on behalf of DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.

 

During the program, LtGen. Almerol presented the Command's successes under his leadership, putting emphasis on the dismantling of 15 New People's Army (NPA) Guerrilla Fronts (GF) and six Vertical Units (VU) across its Joint Operational Area (JOA).

 

Similarly, a Static Display was installed in the venue, showcasing the Command's accomplishments across the 12 clusters of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), together with the firearms captured, confiscated, seized, and recovered (CCSR) from the CTG.

 

Zooming in on EastMinCom's accomplishments from 2nd Semester of 2022 to 1st Semester of 2023, it has dismantled five Sub-Regional Committees (SRC), two GFs, three VUs, and one Independent Platoon during the end of Campaign Plan "Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao" (2017-2022) and the start of Campaign Plan "Padayon sa Panaghiusa Mindanao" (2023-2028).

 

As a result of its focused military operations, the Command also neutralized 426 Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Terrorists (CNT), comprising 351 surrenders, 21 captures, and 54 deaths; captured 468 firearms, with 382 high-powered and 86 low-powered; recovered 65 anti-personnel mines; and discovered 63 enemy hideouts during the same period.

 

Moreover, among the 426 neutralized Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) personalities, 20 were High-Value Individuals, with two from the Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID), eight from the Regional level, six from the Sub-regional level, and four from the Guerrilla Front level.

 

Significantly, on September 19, 2022, Davao Oriental was declared insurgency-free, following the footsteps of other Davao Provinces and a Highly-Urbanized City. This eventually led to the declaration of the entire Davao Region as free from communist insurgency on October 12, which was affirmed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a ceremonial declaration on October 27.

 

Not stopping there, LtGen. Almerol also showcased their significant headway in diminishing the influence of insurgency parameters across parts of Region 10 and Region 12, as well as the entire Caraga Region during a similar period.

 

In his message, the EastMinCom Commander acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the military units through their rigorous operations and the stakeholders who contributed to Executive Order 70, or the “Whole-of-Nation Approach,” which paved the way for the Command to achieve a "Strategic Victory" against the CTG, a feat once thought to be impossible.

 

"As we stand on the abyss of our Command's anniversary, it is clear that our actions have yielded results far beyond our aspirations. We are humbled and proud to show how Eastern Mindanao has emerged as a beacon of progress, soaring above other regions in the nation," LtGen. Almerol said.

 

"Lahat ng ito, dahil sa kahusayan at dedikasyon ng ating mga commanders at tropa sa frontlines, lalung-lalo na ang di matatawarang suporta at pagtitiwala ng taong bayan (All these, are because of the excellence and dedication of our commanders and troops on the frontlines, especially the invaluable support and trust of the people)," the EastMinCom Commander added.

 

Meanwhile, Usec. De Leon lauded the excellence, resilience, and remarkable accomplishments of Team EastMinCom that contributed to the pursuit of peace and development, resulting in stories of positive change, a restored atmosphere of peace and security, and renewed opportunities for the people in Eastern Mindanao.

 

"Through your collective efforts to support the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC, countless lives have been transformed, and communities have found new avenues to thrive in an environment free from fear and violence. May every member of the Eastern Mindanao Command continue to pursue higher standards of professionalism to provide even better services to our stakeholders in Eastern Mindanao," he stated.

 

In a recorded video message, Sec. Teodoro also commended the Command for its ceaseless efforts in maintaining peace and order in its JOA, expressing hope for the replication of its achievements across the nation.

 

"We commend you for your unceasing efforts in ensuring the peace and order of your AOR (area of responsibility). We hope that your accomplishments can be replicated throughout the land, of which all of us collectively pledged to work hand-in-hand in achieving," the DND Secretary said.

 

"On behalf of the Department of National Defense and the people of the Philippines, we commend you and we greet you a happy (and) blessed 17th anniversary, and we promise our fullest support, collectively, in order for each and every one of us to achieve greater heights in all our tasks," he added.

 

Apart from the awardees, other guests present during the event were the Joint Task Force, Brigade, and Post-Unit Commanders under EastMinCom, Police counterparts, heads and representatives of Local Government Units and Agencies, media, and other key civilian partners.

 

Before the formal celebration, EastMinCom also organized a series of pre-anniversary events, including the Summer Sports League, Fun Run with Reservists and ROTC Cadets, Proficiency Shoot, and Health Fair. The festivities concluded with a Fellowship Night to acknowledge the dedication of the Command's personnel in fulfilling its mission, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass.#

You may read the accomplishments and other features of Team EastMinCom in its 2023 Anniversary Edition of Kagitingan Journal, available online at https://bit.ly/kagitinganjournal.

 

Former rebels identified the fatality as Dionesio Micabalo, alias Muling, Regional Secretary of the NCMRC, and a Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee Member.

 

In a report from the JTF Diamond's 402nd Infantry Brigade, the troops of the 58th Infantry Battalion engaged in a skirmish against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1, of NCMRC following a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men conducting illegal activities in the area.

 

Also captured at the encounter site were an AK47 Rifle with two loaded magazines, a Caliber .22 rifle, six backpacks with personal belongings, terrorist documents, electronic devices, and other supplies.

 

LtGen. Almerol said that Micabalo's group was responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. He also had various criminal records, including double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson, murder, and violation of RA 9851.

 

Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander lauded the cooperation of civilians and the tireless dedication of JTF Diamond troops that led to the death of Micabalo. He also offered his condolences to the family of the slain CTG leader.

 

"Muling has been on the run since the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC in 2020. With his demise, the incoming dismantling of the NCMRC is already in sight. This is part of our goal to defeat the CTG in Eastern Mindanao this year. Without him leading the way for the survival of his subordinates, their only solution is to surrender or face the same fate," he said.

 

"This is a crucial moment for their remaining members to yield, especially since our President has recently issued a pronouncement to grant amnesty to former rebels," LtGen. Almerol emphasized.

 

Micabalo's cadaver was already brought to a funeral parlor in Gingoog City for proper disposition.#

 

 

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Filipinos will now get a closer glimpse into how the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the exceptional leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, defeated the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the first-ever documentary film "BUKHAD KALINAW: Ang mga Tagumpay ng Eastern Mindanao Command," which finally premiered on July 5 at the Cinematheque Centre Davao, Palma Gil St., Davao City.

 

I-Docu by John Paul Seniel's presentation of "Bukhad Kalinaw" sheds light on the invaluable contributions of the EastMinCom in attaining peace and security within its joint operational area comprising Regions 11, 13, and parts of Regions 10 and 12. It also narrates the relentless efforts of the Command that led to the declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free and the successful conduct of intensified military operations, which resulted in decisive accomplishments.

 

Part of this feat was the total dismantling of five Sub-Regional Committees, 15 Guerilla Fronts, six Vertical Formations, and two Independent Platoons of the CTG's Komiteng Mindanao, including the reduction of its components by capturing 1,158 high-powered and 223 low-powered firearms, neutralizing 1,382 CTG regulars with 135 killed, 176 captured, and 862 surrendered, as well as 209 Milisyang Bayan from March 2021 to date.

 

"The film is a testament to the effectiveness and efficiency of our strategies, the resilience of our troops, and the support of our communities. We will take a journey into the heart of our campaign against insurgency, showcasing the milestones we have achieved, the lives we have transformed, and the hope we have restored," LtGen. Almerol described during the premiere.

 

He also thanked the local government units (LGU), youth, former rebels, government agencies, and other peace partners for supporting the Command in attaining its mission. He further expressed his gratitude to the i-Docu team led by Mr. Seniel for making the docu-film a reality.

 

"As we stand at the threshold of a future free from insurgency, I pledge our continued commitment to working hand-in-hand with all our partners in peace. Your Eastern Mindanao Command shall work tirelessly to ensure that the gains we have achieved are not lost and that our region remains peaceful and prosperous for generations to come,” the EastMinCom Commander remarked.

 

Narrating how "Bukhad Kalinaw" materialized, Mr. Seniel also expressed his appreciation to LtGen. Almerol for allowing him and his team to document the story of EastMinCom's triumphs and share the good deeds of soldiers that rarely get media attention.

 

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, in a written message, invited fellow Dabawenyos to support and watch the documentary as it promotes the peacebuilding endeavors of government in communities. "Bukhad Kalinaw is a valuable means to share with the world the exemplary accomplishments of the Eastern Mindanao Command in the fulfillment of our shared goal of eliminating the forces of insurgency in the region as well as providing sustainable peace and order in the near future," he said.

 

Among those who joined the event was LtGen. Almerol’s wife, Ms. Lynette, and their children, Davao City 3rd District Representative Hon. Isidro T. Ungab, Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila Commander MGen Jose Eriel C. Niembra, APC-EM Deputy Commander PMGen. Harold B. Tuzon, NFEM Commander Commo. Carlos V. Sabarre, TOW-EM Commander BGen. Pedro S. Francisco III, JTF Haribon Commander and EastMinCom Deputy Commander BGen. Consolito P. Yecla, NICA XI Regional Director Evarly D. Tajanlangit, MinDA Director Olie B. Dagala, AFP and PNP Commanders, Staff Officers of EastMinCom, representatives of LGUs, local government agencies, members of the Command's Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC), Youth for Peace Movement, media personalities, civilian partners, former rebels, and other guests.#

 

 

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Relentless offensives launched by the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops under the guidance of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), led to the death of three Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and the capture of 15 high-powered firearms following a skirmish in Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City, on June 16.

 

In a report from the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), combined troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and 30IB clashed with the combined elements of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Guerilla Front 21 (SYP21C, GF21) and Platoon Dao, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, both under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) after responding to reports from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed individuals in the area.

 

The encounter resulted in the death of one male and two female CNTs whose true names are still being obtained. Troops also captured five AK47 rifles, four AR18 rifles, three M4 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an M16 rifle, and terrorist documents.

 

From January 1 to June 16 this year, EastMinCom has already logged 201 neutralized Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members, 227 captured and surrendered firearms, and 34 seized anti-personnel mines.

 

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the cooperation of civilians and the swift action of JTF Diamond troops which resulted in the successful operations. He is also optimistic that CTG's recent defeat will aggravate the demoralization of its forces in the Caraga Region.

 

"The series of defeats of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao, especially in Caraga Region, proved that the support from their top-to-bottom leadership, including their former mass bases, is already absent. Therefore, the only solution is for them to surrender or face the consequences of their anti-people behavior at the hands of our troops," he said.#

 

 

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP