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 - Troops of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol unearthed more arms caches with 10 high-powered firearms after recently-surrendered Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members revealed its locations at the hinterlands of Sitio Lag-it, Brgy Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur on February 8 and 9.
The former rebels who yielded to the 36th Infantry Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (36IB, 901Bde, 4ID) on February 7 were identified as Lisa A. Bregorio alias Toryang, a Mess Officer, Leonard Frank P. Degumbis alias Joniel, a Political Guide, and Mario J. Suarez alias Alvin, a Team Leader, all under the Guerilla Front 30, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF30, SRSDG WL, NEMRC).
Acting upon their information, troops immediately launched a 2-day operation that led to the seizure of three AK47 rifles, three M16 rifles, a Bushmaster 5.56mm carbine, an M14 rifle, a Carbine Cal. 30 Rifle, a Shotgun, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), various magazines and ammunition, terrorist documents, assorted personal belongings, and other war materiel.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops of the 36IB and 901Bde under 4ID for their relentless operations to defeat the CTG in the Caraga Region, which is now at its weakest point.
"I congratulate the 36IB, 901Bde, and 4ID for their latest accomplishment. The reduction of CTG's firearms will surely put them further in the weakest position. Push harder as our goal to defeat the communist terrorist in Eastern Mindanao is now in sight," he said.
From the first day of January 2023 to date, EastMinCom has already neutralized 51 CTG members mostly through surrender and seized 57 high-powered and low-powered firearms.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Top military officials and all personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) have come together as they paid a New Year's Call to EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Consolidated Mess Hall here, January 16.
Commanders of different Joint Task Forces and Brigades, together with their spouses, other Officers from Operational Control and Post Units, including the Chiefs of Offices, Staff Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources under the EastMinCom, were all present at the event.
As one of its annual traditions, the New Year's Call served as an opportunity for the Command to celebrate its victories under the EastMinCom Campaign Plan "Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao" and renew the commitment and dedication of all its personnel towards attaining its mission.
It likewise served as an avenue for the Commander to convey his guidance as EastMinCom gears up for a new Campaign Plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), dubbed as Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support Plan “Pagkakaisa” 2023-2028.
During the ceremony, LtGen. Almerol also presented a "Kapayapaan Award" from the AFP to Vice-Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy of Davao de Oro in recognition of his significant contribution to the military in ending the communist insurgency in Davao Region last year.
The EastMinCom Commander, who led the traditional new year's toast and delivered his message, highlighted the milestones achieved by the Command in 2022 through the collaboration of its ground units, local government units and agencies, and all EastMinCom personnel.
"These accomplishments bespeak the hard work of every foot soldier, airman, and sailor in our endeavors. We are also grateful to our partner-stakeholders for the strengthened collaboration and determination to accomplish our shared aspiration," he said.
"I enjoin all of you, especially the Commanders, to march with me in unison in bringing forth more triumphs for the Command," LtGen. Almerol added as he encouraged the troops to offer their utmost dedication to service and to remain focused on the tasks they have sworn to fulfill under the flag and the constitution.
Meanwhile, in a Campaign Review and Assessment (CRA) conference held after the ceremony, LtGen. Almerol emphasized his directives anchored in the new Campaign Plan, which aims to attain total victory against all threat groups and achieve a resilient security environment.
These are to (1) Defeat the New People's Army (NPA) Komisyon Mindanao before the end of 2023; (2) Deliberately sustain the gains of EastMinCom to prevent Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) recovery; (3) Continually conduct Critical Investment, Infrastructure Protection and Security Operations (CIIPSO) to control CTG resource generation; and (4) Prepare the troops for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations (HADR).#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has neutralized another eight Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members in the first week of 2023, as part of the Command's continuing calls for them to abandon the terrorist movement.
Two of the said personalities, identified as Jomar "Dogdog" Panduan, a Commanding Officer, and Edwin "Damas" Mandumaya, a Liaison, both of a Milisyang Bayan (MB) under the dismantled GF6, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), capitulated to the troops of 10ID’s 1003Bde and 89IB at Sitio Misalay, Brgy. Digongan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on January 4. Paduan also brought an M14 rifle with a magazine and ammunition.
The four others, who were members of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Sagay under the SRC3, NCMRC surrendered to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) Las Nieves, headed by Mayor Karen S. Rosales, through the effort of Brgy. Capt. Wennie Loquinte at the Municipal Hall of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on January 5.
Bringing along two AK47 rifles and two Cal .38 revolvers, the said individuals were identified as Roselle "Gab" Polinar, Head Liaison Staff and Taxation, and members Cesar "Magulang" Corella, Jenifer "Laiza" Binongkasan, and Aurilyn "Laily" Havana.
The former rebels were immediately turned over to the 23IB under 4ID's 402Bde on the same day to process their benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Mayor Rosales also provided them with food packs and livelihood assistance during their surrender, aside from the medical assistance given to Binongkasan and Havana who are both pregnant.
In another incident, two communist terrorists were neutralized by the troops of 4ID’s 901Bde and 65IB following a gun battle that ensued through the report of concerned civilians in the boundary of Brgy. Taligaman and Brgy. Bugsukan both of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on January 6.
One of the CTG died at the encounter site while the other was wounded. Troops immediately provided first aid to the wounded NPA before he was transported to the nearest hospital and coordinated to Butuan City Police Office for proper disposition. Government forces also captured two AK47 rifles, an M653 rifle, assorted medical supplies, other war materiel, and personal belongings.
It can be recalled that 11 other CTG members were neutralized earlier this year after LtGen. Almerol urged them to abandon the weakening terrorist movement brought about by the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison. EastMinCom now has 19 NPAs neutralized just in the first week of 2023.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander noted that the series of neutralization occurred through the relentless efforts of his troops to pursue the remaining CTG members. He also credited the recent accomplishments to the support of the LGU.
"The surrender of the CTG members this year has been accomplished because of the continued commitment and partnership of our troops and civilian government. The CTG's declining force and leadership has made them more vulnerable that is why most of their members are now submitting to authorities," he emphasized.
The EastMinCom Commander also urged the CTG remnants in his Joint Operational Area to stop fighting and, instead, support the government to develop conflict-affected communities. He also reiterated his offer of freedom and the benefits of the E-CLIP if they choose to abandon the armed struggle.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Following the calls of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), headed by LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, to the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to yield at the start of 2023, eight high-ranking CTG members responded as they surrendered to the Joint Task Force Diamond troops on January 3.
They were identified as Noel "Wawang" K. Sinanday, Squad Leader; Rady "Task" S. Kinoyog, Political Instructor; Jertolui "Loloy" Y. Hilario, Political Guide; Jilmar "Ads" B. Dahinlay, Squad 1 Team Leader; Nickboy "Wander" D. Sinanday, Squad 3 Team Leader; Roselyn "RR" B. Omandam, Platoon Medic; Maricel "Saysay" H. Colawing, Squad 1 Medic; and Jenelyn "Jesel" S. Palta, Squad 3 Medic.
The said personalities, who all belong to the Platun IPAD, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), yielded through the efforts of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, under the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (1SFBn, 403Bde, 4ID) at Brgy. Kibangay, Lantapan, and Brgy. Madaya, Pangantucan both of Bukidnon.
Following an initial interview, the former rebels also pointed out the location of three arms caches at Brgy. Tikalaan and Brgy. Miarayon in Talakag, Bukidnon, resulting in the capture of three AK47 rifles, three M16A1 rifles, an M14 rifle, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), several magazines, various ammunition, and assorted medical supplies on January 4.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol said the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Founder and Head Jose Maria Sison last year has increased the demoralization among the CTG ranks, which convinced the eight personalities to yield.
He also lauded the troops of 4ID’s 403Bde and 1SFBn for their recent accomplishment, which he expects to diminish further the presence of the communist terrorists in Bukidnon.
"The loss of their highest leader has critically affected the morale of the CTG. Without Sison's direction and leadership, the CPP-NPA will suffer. That is why their remnants are yielding, even as 2023 has just started because they know the disaster the CTG is heading," he expressed.
"With this situation, we expect more of their comrades to surface and lay down their arms. Thus, we are reiterating our call for them to surrender without hesitation as the freedom and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are waiting upon their return," the EastMinCom Commander added.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Despite the bad weather condition that welcomed 2023, LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said that it still turned out good as three members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered on New Year's Day, January 1.
The said personalities, identified as Maximo "Joey" F. Vibas Sr., Squad Leader, his live-in partner Jennifer "Angel" T. Gagbo, and Nelboy "DJ" N. Yubos - who also brought along a 5.56mm Magpul rifle - yielded to the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) under the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Brgy. Comagascas, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
They were all members of Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SDG16, GF16, NEMRC).
The former rebels also aided the 29IB troops and intelligence units in recovering seven high-powered firearms, two magazines, and a generator set as they revealed the location of two arms caches at Brgy. Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, following an initial interview on the same day. The firearms consist of five M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, and an M203 Grenade Launcher.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops of 4ID’s 901Bde and 29IB for their unceasing efforts and sacrifices to end the CTG despite the holidays and bad weather.
He also expressed his optimism to defeat the communist terrorists in his joint operational area this year as their depleting forces are diminishing further, and their four remaining guerilla units are already "hanging by a thread."
"We are very optimistic to dismantle the remaining Guerilla Fronts in our area and declare the whole of Eastern Mindanao as insurgency-free this year. Despite the CTG's weakened status, we will not rest and will even intensify our focused military operations to run after their remnants," he said.
"This is our commitment. However, we cannot pursue this without the will of local leaders and the support of the people. Thus, we are asking for everyone's full support to ultimately achieve peace and prosperity this 2023," the EastMinCom Commander added.
LtGen. Almerol also renewed his call to the remaining CTG forces to lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to end their suffering and begin living peacefully with their families.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP