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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 - 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
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol separately neutralized ten high-ranking leaders of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bukidnon and Surigao del Norte on September 8 and 10.
Nine of the said personalities belonging to the Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, NCRMC) surrendered to the troops of 403rd Brigade’s 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) on September 8 in Valencia City, Bukidnon, after longing for their families and the persuasion from their relatives, prompted them to yield.
The CTG personalities identified as Raquel N. Dahoyla, the Secretary of SRC5, Joen V. Morales, Daniel P. Layanan, Mary Jean S. Cololot, Nelbert Binungkasan, Warren A. Balanse, Walisa C. Tinampakan, Marlon B. Ampoan, and Rey N. Unabia. They also brought six high-powered firearms composed of three M16 Rifles, two AK47 Rifles, and an M1 Carbine Rifle.
Following this, a joint law enforcement operation by the troops of 401st Brigade, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard resulted in the arrest of Nenita G. Dolera, Secretary of Guerilla Front 19 (GF19), at the port of Surigao City on September 10.
Dolera, who has a warrant of arrest for Murder, was monitored by authorities to be returning to Surigao City via fast craft on that day from Leyte, which led to her arrest.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops under the Joint Task Force Diamond for their new accomplishments, which he described as a "definitive stage" to the collapse of communist terrorist remnants in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region.
“The recent neutralization of CTG leaders in Bukidnon and Surigao del Norte is the result of our relentless collaboration with intelligence units and engagements with their families who long to see them alive and at peace with the government,” he said.
"Once again, we call other CTG remnants to surrender and live peacefully with their families. The government programs through Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is here to assist you on your second chance in life,” the EastMinCom Commander added.
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 uncovered the largest arms caches in Caraga Region following the mass surrender of the members of a Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) to the troops of 901st Brigade's 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) in August.
LtGen. Almerol bared that four arms caches, hiding 31 high-powered firearms and other war materiel, were revealed by the members of Guerilla Front 16, Sub-Regional Committee Northland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF16, SRC Northland, NEMRC).
It can be recalled that nine members of the Sentro Degrabidad (SDG) and Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16B (SYP16B), GF16, NEMRC yielded to the troops of 30IB at Brgy. Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on August 12, which led to the recovery of 16 high-powered firearms.
They were identified as Edelberto D. Maisog alias Marmar, Grace J. Bacalan alias Nizel, Jessie S. Roxas alias Jemrex, Alfredo A. Balocloc Jr alias Degard, Lynde T. Bacalan alias Diane, Christopher G. Libres alias Joreden, Nikki B. Pinao alias Cyrel, Alvin Palen alias Barry, and Janiza Galupo alias Fox.
Their four other comrades identified as Panie H. Jubasan alias Alvin, Junas L. Morata alias Bong, Merimi C. Manego alias Odette, and Lenie B. Mantawiran alias Glay-Glay who respectively surrendered on August 22 and 25, also revealed two arms caches with 15 high-powered firearms.
The 31 retrieved high-powered firearms were composed of nine M4 Rifles, eight M16 Rifles, six AK47 Rifles, three M203 Grenade Launchers, an M14 Rifle, a Galil Rifle, a Caliber .22 Carbine, an R4 Rifle, a Pistol Grand Master, an Improvised Explosive Device, several assorted magazines, 2,010 rounds of various ammunition, four Bandoliers, and other war materiel.
In another incident, troops of the 1001st and 701st Brigades under the 10th Infantry Division (ID) uncovered separately two arms caches within Davao Region on August 25 and 26 after the revelation of two CTG personalities. Alias Delmar, former Chief Ordnance of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and alias Bukawe, Team Leader Abe of the Weakened GF18, aided the troops in recovering five M16A1 Rifles, an M60 Machine Gun, an M16 Rifle, and an AK47 Rifle.
A former Militia ng Bayan (MB) member, identified as alias Labay, who surrendered to the troops of 402nd Brigade's 16IB, also revealed the location of an arms cache at Sitio Mintapod, Brgy. Hagpa, Impasugong, Bukidnon on August 27. It contained a Caliber .30 M1 Springfield Rifle, 10 hand grenades, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and ammunitions.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops of the 4ID and 10ID for their relentless efforts that further weakened the capability of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao. He is also optimistic that with the series of surrenders, Caraga Region will be declared "Insurgency-free" before 2022 ends.
"We are optimistic that GF16 is at the brink of collapse with the gradual surrender of their leadership. With our intensified military operations and aid from former rebels, it is only a matter of time before we declare them dismantled and the rest of Caraga Region free from insurgency this year," he assured.
The EastMinCom Commander likewise encouraged the remaining CTG members to "surrender and avail government programs through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start a new life with your families."
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP