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EastMinCom Troops Neutralize Two High-ranking CTG Leaders, Secures Another Victory Against the Terrorists
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Comma...
Read MoreEastMinCom Troops Neutralize Two High-ranking CTG Leaders, Secures Another Victory Against the Terrorists
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Eastern Mindanao Comma...
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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, successfully maintained peace and order in Eastern Mindanao during the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day 2023.
Military forces from EastMinCom's Joint Task Forces Agila, Diamond, Haribon and Seahawk, along with their police counterparts, were deployed to different cemeteries and churches to ensure the security of everyone visiting their departed loved ones.
The successful 2-day security operations came a few days after troops also ensured the peaceful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 last October 30.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol reported no violent incidents during the 2-day commemoration, particularly in the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area (JOA).
He also commended the strong collaboration between his troops, police forces, and the communities in Eastern Mindanao that prevented lawless elements from carrying out their violent schemes.
"The successive conduct of security operations presented a challenge to our deployment as we continue our relentless operations against the Communist Terrorist Group. Nevertheless, these operations were successfully implemented through the strong support of other law enforcers and the general public," said the EastMinCom Commander.
"We remain committed to maintaining peace and security in Eastern Mindanao and ensuring that the people are protected from any threats," he added.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command , AFP
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command , AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), led by Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol, established a significant Memorandum of Partnership (MoP) initiative with the Office of Civil Defense Region (OCD) 11, REACT MADAYAW DURIAN Group, and the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG) on October 24.
The collaborative partnership signing occurred at the 11RCDG headquarters in Mintal, Davao City. Lt. Gen. Almerol was represented by Lt. Col. Rey T. Alvarado, the EastMinCom Chief of Reservist and Retirees Affairs, along with OCD 11 Director Ednar G. Dayanghirang, REACT Group Chief Mr. Israel Mejares, 11RCDG Commander Colonel Josue M. Caberto, and 1101RRIBn and 1105RRIBn Commander Lt. Col. Rodrigo L. Rivamonte GSC PA (RES).
The primary focus of the partnership centers on disaster management-related training and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. The partnership represents a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of all entities involved, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the local community.
The event was also attended by other personnel from 11RCDG and OCD 11 along with eight ROTC Cadets and 20 reservist personnel, demonstrating extensive support for this collaborative effort.
The signing ceremony concluded on the same day, marking the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the region.
The partnering agencies are committed to working together, leveraging their collective strengths, expertise, and resources to ensure a more resilient and safer environment for the people of Davao City and beyond.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of Lieutenant General Greg T Almerol, conducted a Reserve Forces Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on October 21 and 22.
This activity was conducted to make Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs) better prepared when called to active duty. It also aims to improve their skills, competencies, and flexibility so that they can easily join the regular force, especially in the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area, and handle different situations and emergencies.
Commodore Marfenio Y. Tan, the Commander of the Naval Affiliated Reserve-Eastern Mindanao who graced the opening ceremony emphasized the role of the reservist as the special force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and highlighted the importance of enhancing their readiness and capabilities when called to active duty. “Let us continue working together towards a better, more progressive, stronger and united Philippine Republic, ready to face challenges of the future as an active, committed and dedicated Reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines”, he said.
Reservist units from the AFP major services performed the humanitarian assistance and disaster response and war fighting scenarios utilizing the ground, air and sea assets taking-off from EastMinCom headquarters towards the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao Region.
The Office of Civil Defense Region 11 Director Ednar G Dayanghirang, serving as among the evaluators, rated the reservists' performance in the HADR scenario 9 out of 10, praising their quick response, first aid, and life-saving protocols.
Reservist representatives from the Philippine Air Force, Navy, and Army expressed gratitude for the unique experiences and requested for continued support from the AFP leadership in future exercises.
During the closing ceremony, Major General Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, AFP, represented by Colonel Angel E. Cuenco, thanked the Reservists, the Municipal Government, and the Local Government of Davao City for their support in both military and non-military activities.
In his speech, he highlighted how being prepared and capable directly impacts the safety of the nation and its people. He emphasized the crucial role that every member plays in maintaining the integrity of defense forces and their efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. "All of us are essential for the integrity of our defense forces and our humanitarian efforts. As members of the reserve force, you form the foundation for expanding our active forces", he said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Almerol commended the participants, emphasizing their reliability as important assets in different operations. He recognized their dedication and teamwork, not just in supporting the regular force but also various government agencies and local authorities.
He stated, "Our goal is to grow well-trained and equipped reservists capable of responding quickly to mission requirements. Seeing how successful you have been in this MOBEX, the Command is truly confident that we have reservists who are capable and qualified to take on organizational transformation tasks."
The EMC MoBex 2023 is the first of its kind to be conducted by the AFP.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., commended the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for its outstanding achievements during his visit to the Headquarters of EastMinCom on September 29.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of EastMinCom, welcomed and accorded the CSAFP with traditional military honors upon his arrival alongside the Unit Commanders, Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of the Command.
The visit featured a "Talk to Troops" session led by General Brawner, where he stressed the significance of UNITY among EastMinCom's personnel. He encapsulated this unity with "U" for Unification, "N" for Normalization in the Bangsamoro Region, "I" for Internal Security Operations, "T" for Territorial Defense, and "Y" for fostering the Youth as defenders of the next generation.
In his message, General Brawner also praised the collective effort and victory of EastMinCom under the leadership of LtGen. Almerol in sustaining peace and security in the Davao Region.
"I would like to congratulate the members of the Eastern Mindanao Command and our component units, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, for all the accomplishments you have achieved. I am very happy and very proud of all of you."
In response, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Almerol expressed his gratitude to CSAFP for the visit and the words of wisdom shared. He affirmed their unwavering commitment in safeguarding the people of Eastern Mindanao and addressing the insurgency.
The visit was concluded by a meeting where the command’s current accomplishments were presented to the CSAFP after the unveiling and blessing of the newly enhanced EMC Conference Room.
Based on EastMinCom’s records, it has already neutralized 1,602 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs), which composed of 1,266 surrendered, 179 captured and 157 killed; captured 1,601 firearms with 1,313 high-powered and 288 low-powered; seized 260 anti-personnel mines (APMs) and dismantled 16 Guerilla Fronts, six (6) Vertical Units, two (2) Independent Platoon and five (5) Sub-Regional Committee (SRCs) from the incumbent of LtGen. Almerol up to the present date.
The meeting was attended by LtGen. Almerol alongside the Commanders of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, JTF Seahawk, JTF Haribon, Commander of Tactical Operation Wing-Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM), Task Force Davao, Commander of Joint Special Operations Force 1 (JSOF1), Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1 and EastMinCom Officers.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol continues to strike the dwindling forces of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in its joint operational area this September 2023.
In the latest development, combined troops of 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 901st Infantry Brigade (Bde) under Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond captured six high-powered firearms and various war materiel during a skirmish against the elements of the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) and Platoon 1, Guerilla Front (GF) 30, both under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on September 19.
The captured war materials consist of an M16 Rifle, a Bushmaster Rifle, a Stag A5 VLTOR Rifle, an M653 Rifle, two R4 Rifles, two anti-personnel mines (APMs), four Bandoliers, two Handheld Commercial Radios, electrical wires, and 30 backpacks containing assorted supplies and personal belongings.
Before this, 36IB troops captured an M16 Rifle, an M14 Rifle, and other war materiel after an armed clash against the elements of Platoon Apitong, SRSDG Westland, NEMRC at Sitio Bakakaan, Barangay Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on September 5.
This was followed by the death of a certain Dexter Maca alias Jeric, member of Platoon 1, GF30, NEMRC, and the capture of an M16A1 Bushmaster Rifle during an encounter with 901Bde troops at Barangay Maticdum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on September 11.
On the same day, 88IB troops under 403Bde captured an AK47 Rifle, an M1 Garand Rifle, and assorted medical paraphernalia following a skirmish against the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Peddler, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) at Sitio Miaray, Barangay Mandahican, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
In another incident, six CNTs under the Sandatahang Yunit Pamproganda (SYP) 21C, GF21, SRC Westland, NEMRC also surrendered to 29IB troops and police forces in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, bringing along two AR15 Rifles, an AK47 Rifle, an M4 Carbine Rifle, and an M14 Rifle, still on September 11.
Likewise, on September 12, two regular CNTs and a Milisya ng Bayan (MB) member surrendered to the troops under the 402Bde, respectively in Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte. The regular CNTs who were members of the Regional Operations Command (ROC), NCMRC also yielded an M14 Rifle, and an Ingram Pistol to the 58IB, while the MB member under the GF21, NEMRC brought along two M16 Rifles and an AK47 Rifle to the 23IB.
In the JTF Agila area, seven CNTs formerly operating in Bukidnon yielded with three M16 Rifles to the troops of 56IB and 1003Bde after experiencing hardships in the armed group and the longing to return to their community at Sitio Central Baugan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on September 16.
The surrenderers were identified by their aliases as Fernando Poe, Rustom, Sarmontiano, Agata, Rica, Adolfo, and Andrew E., all members of the SRSDG Peddler, SRC2, NCMRC, which operates outside the border of Davao Region, particularly in Bukidnon.
Based on EastMinCom's records, it has already neutralized 337 CNTs, composed of 298 who surrendered, eight captured, and 31 killed; captured 355 firearms with 268 high-powered and 87 low-powered; and seized 61 APMs from January 2023 to date.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops of JTFs Agila and Diamond, especially the local government units, for their unrelenting collaborative efforts that resulted in recent accomplishments. He also commended the former rebels for their decision to return to the folds of the law and reiterated his call to active CTG remnants to follow suit.
"The end of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao is now inevitable as the strong collaboration between our troops and stakeholders continues to crumble their forces. Thus, we reiterate our call on the active CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits so they can restart their lives before it is too late," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander also vowed to sustain the peaceful situation in the Davao Region and prevent CTG resurgence while they are finishing the fight in other parts of Eastern Mindanao.
"As we pursue the deteriorating forces of the CTG in Regions 10 and 13, we are also relentless in conducting sustainment operations to prevent the re-entry of communist terrorists in Davao Region. Rest assured that we are on track in defeating the CTG in our joint operational area this year," LtGen. Almerol expressed.
He likewise encouraged the people of Eastern Mindanao to continue supporting the government forces by upholding the Culture of Security, especially as the country celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme, "Ang Kapayapaan ay Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamamayan," this September 2023.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP