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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 - The 39th Philippines – Indonesia Border Committee Chairmen's Conference (PH-ID BCCC) has recommended the approval of a 12-point agenda that would enhance the diplomatic relations and joint implementation of the 1975 Border Agreements between the two countries.
Hosted by the Republic of Indonesia, the said event was held in a hybrid mode on November 22-23, with the Indonesian delegation joining in Manado City while the Philippine delegation was at the Radisson Park Inn and SMX Lanang Convention Center, Davao City.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), served as Chairman of the Philippine Border Committee (PHBC), while RAdm. TNI Dr. TSNB Hutabarat, MMS, Commander of the Indonesian Military Command II, was his Indonesian counterpart.
The PH-ID BCCC is an annual activity that seeks to review and strengthen existing measures to ensure the safe passage of the respective nationals of both countries, including the protection of fisher folks and the prevention of terrorists from transiting in the border areas.
During the 2-day Conference, both Committees deliberated on matters of common concern and interest to both countries.
They agreed to implement policies that will standardize the safety and protection of Filipino and Indonesian nationals at the borders and improve Consular access for detained Filipinos. Both parties also pushed for the standardization of implementing the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by primarily revising its Standing Operating Procedure (SOP).
Considering the threat posed by transnational terrorists to the Philippines and Indonesia, both Committees also looked into the enhancement of Intelligence Cooperation and other security-related matters.
They likewise agreed to accelerate the review of the 1975 Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreements that will seek to recommend amendments to its provisions to attune to the prevailing situation in maritime security and terrorism in both countries.
"We have the same purpose to overcome issues happening and relating to the border between both countries. The results of this Chairmen's Conference are real forms of providing solutions for our future," RAdm. TNI Hutabarat said during the Closing Ceremony.
He also added that he has high hopes that the results of the meeting "shall contribute to a stronger, closer, and more meaningful partnership" between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed that the 39th Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference is one of the opportunities to reaffirm goodwill and promote the pursuit of lasting peace between the two nations.
"Our sincerity manifests commitment in the principles of mutual respect, teamwork, and cooperation. This annual event is one of the major occasions to showcase to the rest of the world our almost five decades of peaceful and harmonious co-existence," he said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Newly-appointed Presidential Assistant II for Eastern Mindanao, Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno visited the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) here on November 18 as part of his official function as representative of the Office of the President in the area, under the office of Special Assistant to the President (SAP), Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr.
EastMinCom Commander, LtGen. Greg T. Almerol together with his Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources, welcomed the Presidential Assistant and rendered him an arrival honor.
During the visit, Sec. Magno was briefed on the security situation in Eastern Mindanao, including the Command's latest campaign updates and accomplishments.
LtGen. Almerol also updated him on the current Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations of the Command's ground units for the flood-affected areas in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Sarangani Province.
The Commander also cited the HADR efforts of the 10th Infantry Division for the areas in Cotabato previously affected by typhoon "Paeng."
In his message, the Presidential Assistant commended the EastMinCom for its remarkable accomplishments geared toward securing and uplifting the lives of the people of Eastern Mindanao.
He also committed to supporting the Command, not only in security operations but also in disaster response which is one of the priority programs of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol congratulated Sec. Magno on his latest designation and expressed his gratitude for visiting the Command.
"We are honored to be one of the first offices and military units visited by Sec. Magno upon his appointment as Presidential Assistant. You can assure that we will also extend our support to your office in our capacity," he said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, LtGen. Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro applauded the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for its campaign victories during his visit to Headquarters EastMinCom here on November 12.
During the Campaign Update Briefing, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol presented the Command's accomplishments from the 1st Quarter to the 4th Quarter of 2022 under the Campaign Plan "Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao."
Over the said period, EastMinCom's various military operations led to the neutralization of 706 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members and supporters with 57 high-value individuals, as well as the recovery of 598 firearms and 116 anti-personnel mines.
This also includes the dismantling of eight CTG Guerilla Fronts and four Vertical Units, and the clearing of 56 barangays from CTG influence, which led to the declaration of the Davao Region as "insurgency-free" on October 12, 2022.
"I am confident and proud to report to our Chief of Staff, AFP that we are on the right track in our campaign progress. But even as we recognize this accomplishment, we know very well that we cannot rest on our laurels for the ultimate victory is yet to be achieved," LtGen. Almerol said during the event.
"Rest assured, sir, that there will be no let up in defeating the remaining CTGs in order to maintain peace, progress, and stability in this part of the country," he added.
Meanwhile, during the traditional "Talk to the Troops," the AFP top brass praised the immense individual and collective contributions of EastMinCom towards the attainment of AFP's mission.
"One thing is definite: that the Eastern Mindanao Command has contributed a lot in the attainment of the mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Hindi natin maitatanggi 'yan (We cannot deny that). This is manifested by the reduction of different power factors of the enemy," he said.
"In the soonest possible time, we will be able to declare strategic victory in some of the areas that fall within the joint operational area of the Eastern Mindanao Command," the Chief of Staff assured.
During his first official visit, LtGen. Bacarro was accorded full military honors by the Command and welcomed by LtGen. Almerol with the Commanders of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, JTF Diamond, JTF Seahawk, Tactical Operations Wing - Eastern Mindanao, other Ground Commanders, and the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of EastMinCom.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr., commended the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) for its massive campaign accomplishments during his visit to Headquarters EastMinCom here on October 27.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of EastMinCom, welcomed and accorded the President with traditional military honors upon his arrival.
During the visit, the EastMinCom Commander presented the Command's peace, security, and development efforts in Eastern Mindanao in partnership with different government units and line agencies, which resulted in the dismantling of various Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) units and the declaration of Davao Region as "insurgency-free."
He also showcased the Captured, Confiscated, Surrendered, and Recovered (CCSR) firearms from the CTG as a result of EastMinCom's Focused Military Operations (FMO).
President Marcos Jr. also graced the ceremonial "Declaration of Davao Region as Insurgency-Free and Relaunching of Davao Region as Tourism and Investment-Ready Destination" on the same day together with the heads of various government agencies and Local Chief Executives.
It can be recalled that the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council 11 (RPOC 11) approved a joint resolution proclaiming the whole Davao Region as "insurgency-free" during an Executive Meeting on October 12.
In his message, President Marcos Jr. recognized the collective victory of the government, together with various sectors that worked together to attain peace and security in the Davao Region.
"We must acknowledge the efforts of our men and women in uniform, particularly the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for ensuring the protection and security of our people to your various Civil and Military Operations," he said.
"We must also recognize the efforts of our LGUs, our various government agencies, and law enforcement authorities in the region for supporting the NTF-ELCAC by improving public safety and implementing programs that improve the living conditions for all," the Commander-in-Chief added.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed his gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for visiting the Command and acknowledging its thrusts to free the people of Eastern Mindanao from the CTG.
"We are more than honored to finally meet the President. His recognition of our triumphs in peace, security, and development of communities in our Joint Operational Area will surely bolster the morale of the troops who work day and night to ensure the security of our people from the communist terrorists," he said.
Present also during the event were Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte, Department of National Defense (DND) Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Gov. Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon of Davao Oriental, Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib of Davao del Norte, and Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga of Davao de Oro, Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte of Davao City, members of Regional Development Council XI and Regional Peace and Order Council XI, and other heads government agencies in Davao Region.
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), LtGen. Greg T. Almerol said that the Communist Terrorist Group's (CTG) leadership in its joint operational area is now at a critical decline following the neutralization of various top-ranking CTG personalities and the dismantling of another guerilla front in September.
LtGen. Almerol reported that a total of 45 CTG members, including high-value individuals, surrendered, were arrested, captured, and killed during the said period by the different units under Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila and JTF Diamond. They have also recovered 40 firearms of various calibers and three anti-personnel mines.
Among those killed in legitimate operations were Noel “Megan” Alacre, Commanding Officer (CO) of Platoon 2, Guerrilla Front 30 (GF30), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); Rolando Rubilla “Edroy” Leyson Jr., Secretary of GF16, NEMRC; Vincent Isagani “John” Madlos, Head of National Technical Bureau, CPP-NPA National Operations Command (NOC); and Angie “Edna” Salinas, Secretary of National Communications Bureau, CPP-NPA NOC.
EastMinCom troops, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, also captured Nenita “Akira” Dolera, the Secretary of GF19, while Badong “Reymund” Lipanda, CO of Platoon Banglas, Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and Raquel “Pons” Dahoyla, Secretary of SRC5, NCMRC yielded with their comrades.
On the other hand, EastMinCom approved the dismantling of GF18 during an Area-Clearing and Validation Committee (ACVC) meeting on September 15, after troops under 10ID's 701st Brigade neutralized its remaining members and recovered high-powered firearms with assorted ammunition including subversive documents and other war materiel during a series of clashes at Brgy. Mahayahay, Lupon and Brgy. San Vicente, Banaybanay both of Davao Oriental on September 11 and 13.
Subsequently, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, headed by Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, declared the said province "insurgency-free" during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at Mati City on September 19.
LtGen. Almerol said that GF18 was the last straw of CTG in the Davao Region, which has weakened since November 2021, following the surrender of its Front Secretary and Commanding Officer, identified respectively as Jocy V. Papasin and Gilbert G. Colita.
“With the total collapse of GF18 and other CTG instrumentalities in Davao Region, we can now recommend its declaration as 'insurgency-free' in the coming days. We congratulate all Local Government Units, our ground forces, and other significant stakeholders for their robust synergy that put the CTG in the area at the brink of extinction,” the EastMinCom Commander expressed.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol also eyes the dismantling of other CTG units in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region following the series of neutralization of its top-ranking leaders and the capture of its remaining war materiel.
Since 2017, the Command has dismantled 28 out of 33 guerilla fronts in its joint operational area, leaving five guerilla units, with one in Region 12 and four in Region 13.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP