LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has brought the families of its personnel together as they celebrate the Yuletide Season through the annual Team EastMinCom Christmas Party held at Camp Panacan, Davao City on December 15.
EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, his wife Ms. Lynette Almerol, and their children led the celebration alongside the command's Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resource (CivHR), together with their dependents.
During the party, the children of EastMinCom's personnel enjoyed the various games prepared by the command and received gifts from LtGen. Almerol and Ms. Lynette. Lucky troops and CivHRs also won raffle prizes.
In his message, LtGen. Almerol lauded the dedication and service of all the command's personnel for their contribution to its achievements under his leadership. He also thanked them for making his last Christmas celebration with EastMinCom special and a fruitful one.
“Napaka espesyal at makabuluhan ng selebrasyong ito para sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Sa aking minamahal na Eastern Mindanao Command family, sa Team EastMinCom, nais kong iparating ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat at paghanga sa bawat isa sa inyo. Ang inyong walang pagod na pagsusumikap, dedikasyon, at di matatawarang serbisyo ay siyang naging susi sa mga tagumpay na nakamit natin,” he said.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Philippines and Indonesia (PH-ID) Border Committees have agreed to intensify the security measures of their respective territorial borders through the adoption of 11 agenda items during the recently concluded 40th PH-ID Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference (BCCC) at the Acacia Hotel, Lanang, Davao City, on November 16.
This year's PH-ID BCCC, hosted by the Philippine Government through the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), was held in a hybrid format with EastMinCom Commander/PHBC Chairman LtGen. Greg T. Almerol and the Philippine contingent physically present at Acacia Hotel.
Simultaneously, Manado Main Naval Base VIII Commander/IDBC Vice-Chairman First Admiral Nouldy J. Tangka, and other Indonesian delegates participated via Video Teleconference in Manado City, Indonesia.
During the conference, both committees deliberated on matters of common concern and interest to both countries. This included the review of the proposed amendment to the existing Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) for Border Area Patrol Operations in line with international maritime laws.
They also agreed to explore the possible regularization of the status of undocumented non-citizen Filipino residents in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the immigration status of Indonesian descent in Sarangani Province and General Santos City.
Additionally, both parties looked into improving information exchange among their respective law enforcement agencies and security forces. This involves establishing a communication channel to ensure a prompt response to potential threats and efficiently prevent and mitigate transnational crimes.
Likewise, they decided to enhance the security features of Border Crossing Cards used by border crossers to prevent the illegal entry of foreign nationals that might pose threats to the security of both countries.
Other topics discussed included the review of the 1975 Border Patrol and Border Crossing Agreement, resumption and improvement of operations of Border Crossing Stations, involvement of maritime agencies in PHIL-INDO Coordinated Patrol Operations, and establishment of the Indonesia-Philippines Border Operational Community.
During the program, FAdm. Tangka underscored the importance of mutual respect, trust, and a common understanding among the delegates of both countries to provide solutions to border concerns.
“I have high hopes that the results of our meeting today will contribute to a stronger, closer, and more meaningful partnership between us. We look forward to enhancing cooperation and supporting measures needed by both countries," he said further.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol emphasized the importance of the partnership, display of unity, and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia through the 40th Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference.
He also reminded both parties to be vigilant as they face new challenges ahead in securing their territorial boundaries.
“The seas continue to present challenges and new ones may emerge in the future. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and ready to face these challenges together, as partners and as friends. Our shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability must remain steadfast,” he said.
PH-ID BCCC is an annual activity where the Border Committees of the Philippines and Indonesia discuss border-related issues. #
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Davao also known as Davao Jaycee Senate has chosen LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), as one of the Outstanding Davaoeños for 2023, under the Peace and Order Category, during its Leaders and Achievers of Davao (LEAD) Awarding Ceremony held at the Acacia Hotel, Lanang, Davao City on December 7.
LtGen. Almerol was nominated by the Office of Civil Defense Region 11 Director, Ednar Dayanghirang, also a member of the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC), a third-party advisory group of the Eastern Mindanao Command, for his remarkable contribution to the peace and security in Davao City and the declaration of Davao Region, particularly Davao City as "Insurgency-free."
LtGen Almerol, accompanied by his wife, Ms. Lynette Almerol, along with their children, received the prestigious LEAD Award following a tedious process by the five-member Board of Judges namely: Hon. Pilar C. Braga, Davao City 1st District Councilor; Ms. Belinda L. Torres, 2024 President of Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Elsie E. Gagabe, DepEd Davao City Education Program Supervisor; Mr. Fermin Edillon, Reputation and Department Head, Davao Light and Power Company; and, PCG Reservist VAdm. Beethoven N. Sur, 2018 Davao City Government Datu Bago Awardee and also LEAD Awardee CY 2022.
Another recipient of the LEAD Award 2023 is Architect Sherrila B. Porza-Sawah, UAP, the Regional Director of National Commission on Muslim Filipino Field Office for Region XI, for Community Empowerment and Development category.
During the program, JCI Senator Jocelyn Tagle-Ledesma, a former President of Davao Jaycee Senate, praised the awardees for their extraordinary accomplishments, which demonstrated outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions to the betterment of the community.
“The impact of the LEAD Awards on our community continues to grow, inspiring others to follow in the footsteps of our esteemed awardees. Their stories of perseverance, integrity, and leadership serve as beacons of hope and encouragement, igniting a sense of purpose and responsibility among our fellow citizens,” she said.
Meanwhile, during his acceptance speech, LtGen. Almerol recalled his journey as he started his military career, reminiscing the complex challenges he encountered in Mindanao, which became one of the most important chapters of his career.
He also acknowledged the support of his comrades, the Local Government Units, and stakeholders, particularly the Davaoeños, who were instrumental in the efforts to accomplish the mission and became the focal point for EastMinCom's successes.
“I have worked tirelessly to fulfill our missions and bring security and hope to the region by facing the reality of insurgency. It was not easy, and it never will be. The journey was full of challenges, of which each required a unique blend of strategy and perseverance. But accomplishing the mission was possible because I was supported not only by my comrades but also by the Davaoeños,” LtGen. Almerol said.
“The lessons I learned in leadership, community engagement, and conflict resolution have been indelibly etched into my approach to leadership. Together, we have traveled a path of service, sacrifice, and success. This award belongs to them and to you as much as it belongs to me,” the EastMinCom Commander added.
LEAD, a noble program of Davao Jaycee Senate, has been honoring movers and shakers in the Davao community for 20 years.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), has directed all units under his joint operational area (JOA) to heighten their operations following the two incidents that rocked Mindanao on December 2 and 3.
Preventing Spillover
In Davao City, EastMinCom's anti-terrorism unit Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon has intensified its security measures after an explosion that killed 11 and injured several students in Mindanao State University (MSU) - Marawi on December 3.
As of this writing, JTF Haribon troops are conducting thorough checkpoint operations at entry points, bus boarding operations, foot/water patrols, and enhanced troop visibility in strategic downtown areas in coordination with the Davao City Police Office and other law enforcement agencies.
Simultaneously, the unit has intensified its intelligence monitoring and security operations through systematized and coordinated security schemes among cognizant units, especially in places of convergence to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
HADR Operations
EastMinCom likewise deployed and put on standby a total of 30 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams to assist the Local Government Units after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the coastal town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and affected other parts of Eastern Mindanao on December 2.
Troops promptly conducted mobile security patrol, transportation assistance, monitoring/ocular inspection for any infrastructure damages, and other humanitarian assistance activities in collaboration with the local government units and relevant agencies to aid affected communities, especially the coastal towns of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.
In the latest situational report, the tremor has affected several areas in the Caraga and Davao Regions, with 16 schools, 543 houses, 38 buildings, and four bridges either partially or totally damaged. The earthquake also affected 13,401 families, comprising 61,791 individuals, with 14 reported injuries and three confirmed deaths.
In his message, LtGen. Almerol emphasized that although the bombing incident in Marawi City remains isolated, the government forces in Eastern Mindanao will not put their guards down to ensure the safety of the people during the yuletide season.
"We assure everyone that we are on top of the situation. Although Marawi City is far from our area, we have alerted our troops to heighten their security operations to prevent possible spillover of terrorist atrocities in Eastern Mindanao. We urge the public to adhere to our Culture of Security by promptly reporting any suspicious individuals or group of people in their area to authorities," LtGen. Almerol said.
The EastMinCom Commander also lauded the alertness and readiness of the AFP units within his joint area of operations that responded during the calamity while also ensuring the security of their respective areas of jurisdiction.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) participated in the Simultaneous Christmas Decorations Lighting of all units under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 1.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the ceremony at Lapulapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, while EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol and his wife, Mrs. Lynette Almerol, led the activity at Headquarters EastMinCom here.
The event, which commenced with a virtual Mass and followed by the traditional lighting of Christmas decorations, was witnessed by the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resources of the Command, along with their families.
Likewise, Mrs. Almerol presided over the judging of the staff office's Christmas Candyland-themed decorations at EastMinCom headquarters.
In his message, LtGen. Almerol reflected on the hope brought by the Christmas season and the unity embedded in the annual tradition.
"Christmas is more than a time of festivity; it is a time of reflection and renewal. It is the time when we leave our problems behind for a moment, embrace the warmth of hope, and feel excited to open the presents from our loved ones, as we look forward to a year filled with new opportunities for growth and development," he stated.
Meanwhile, Gen. Brawner encouraged all AFP personnel to serve with humility, honor, and integrity, urging them to collaborate in building a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.
The annual tradition was part of the AFP's Yuletide Festivities and the 88th AFP Anniversary, with this year's theme, "Rising Over The Challenges in Service to the Nation."
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP