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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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NFSA, Panacan, Davao City - Six months after Super Typhoon Odette hit the Province of Dinagat Islands last December 2021, LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), was back in the area to award deserving Army Reservists as responders during and after the natural calamity through an Awarding Ceremony at the Provincial Capitol, San Jose, Dinagat Islands on July 4.
The ceremony was in line with the week-long "People’s Fair Event" of the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dinagat Islands, where EastMinCom also deployed medical teams to provide free medical consultations to the Dinagatnons.
Attending the ceremony were Maj. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. (Res), newly elected Dinagat Provincial Governor and the Acting Battalion Commander of the 1505th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn), BGen. George L. Banzon, 901st Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Diosdado E. Peji, 15th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) Commander, and PCol. Dennis A. Siruno, Dinagat Islands Provincial Police Office Director.
During the program, LtGen. Almerol awarded Bronze Cross Medals to 12 members of the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), Reserve Command, Philippine Army "for their acts of heroism involving the risk of life during the search and rescue operations in the Province of Dinagat Islands in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Odette."
The awardees were LtCol. Ma. Teresa P. Baylon (Res), Maj. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. (Res), Maj. Fe Consuelo C. Botanas (Res), 2Lt. Dennis C. Maregmen, 2Lt. Neil P. Rosillo (Res), MSg. Leonardo A. Samson (Res), MSg. Herald C. Eder, SSg. Ferdinand E. Mandar, Sgt. Jecilyen C. Espinile (Res), Sgt. Sheila O. Peji (Res), Cpl. Shiela A. Butiong (Res), and Pfc. Ethel Joy C. Pielago (Res).
"To the awardees, most especially to the Acting Battalion Commander Maj. Demerey and his staff, we thank you for taking the lead. May this simple recognition strengthen our resolve to provide basic services and primary needs of our constituents for the realization of peace and development in our area," LtGen. Almerol expressed during his message.
He also emphasized that the Military Reservists boosted the much-needed resources during the conduct of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations, especially with the deployment of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sambisig in the Caraga Region and Dinagat province.
It can be recalled that EastMinCom, through the initiative of LtGen. Almerol activated and deployed JTF Sambisig as the Command's disaster response-focused unit, last December 2021 to oversee the HADR operations in the said areas following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette.
He likewise commended the timely implementation of a Basic Citizen Military Training and Organizational Training organized by the 15RCDG and 1505RRIBn for the 270 Citizen Army Soldiers of Dinagat Island Reserve Force, which were utilized and mobilized during the onslaught of the typhoon.
The EastMinCom Commander stressed this as an example as he encouraged the newly-minted officials of the Dinagat Islands to conduct Disaster Resiliency and Mitigation efforts to prevent the same or heavier casualties in case another disaster hits the province.
"With the recent effects and impact made by Typhoon Odette and with the new mandate of our esteemed Provincial Government Officials of Dinagat Islands, it is our fervent hope that Disaster Resiliency and Mitigation efforts will be considered to better prepare our constituents for future eventualities," he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. thanked the EastMinCom under the leadership of LtGen. Almerol for providing various assistance to his province, which helped in their steady recovery.
"The Eastern Mindanao Command, during and after Typhoon Odette, has given us a lot of help. From sending the Black Hawk helicopters to deliver relief goods to far-flung barangays, augmentation of an Engineering Unit for rehabilitation efforts, and sending Navy troops and vessels to give medical assistance to our islands through the BRP Ang Pangulo. LtGen. Almerol also came to give us logs for rebuilding our damaged homes," he said.
"As the Governor of Dinagat Islands, we appreciate what the Eastern Mindanao Command gave us during and after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette," Gov. Demerey added.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Outgoing National Security Adviser (NSA) Sec. Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. lauded the accomplishments of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) as he paid a farewell visit to LtGen. Greg T. Almerol and his troops on June 22 here.
During the Briefing presentation of Campaign Accomplishment at the Bayanihan Center, Sec. Esperon expressed his delight over the performance of EastMinCom during his term, which he described as "superb."
"I congratulate the Eastern Mindanao Command for its superb performance. Just imagine dismantling 78.7% of your area's Guerilla Fronts. I could not believe it because, in Eastern Mindanao, it was here where the CPP-NPA was strongest. Ang laki ng pagbabago," he said.
"It was here where we had almost all of the Guerilla Fronts, and almost 70% of the NPA members come from the IPs. So, it is a big change that I am now seeing here. And, I think we are achieving a strategic victory," Sec. Esperon emphasized.
His remark came after LtGen. Almerol presented the accomplishments of EastMinCom from 2017 to 2022 under its Campaign Plan "Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao" and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) “Kapayapaan.”
Some of them include the dismantling of 26 out of 33 Guerilla Fronts and 9 out of 22 Vertical Units of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG); clearing of 855 barangays all over Eastern Mindanao from its influence; neutralization of 373 high-ranking CTG personalities; and recovery of 4,579 firearms and 1,384 anti-personnel mines.
The EastMinCom Commander also highlighted the recent declaration of the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro, and the City of Davao as "insurgency-free" this year, following the dismantling of the CTG units in the said areas.
He said that they are also eyeing to declare the whole Davao Region as free from insurgency before the end of 2022.
LtGen. Almerol attributed the series of declarations and other accomplishments to the Command's focused military operations, the full cooperation of local leaders, and the support of the members of the National Task Force to Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
"The collective efforts of different lines of government, particularly the Local Government Units (LGUs), Government Agencies, and the security forces comprising the NTF-ELCAC in Davao Region, has allowed us to achieve this success," he said.
"We delivered the basic and primary needs of the people, regained the trust of the CTG mass supporters, convinced them to declare the CTG as person non-grata, cleared all communities from its influence, and neutralized all its active members and high-ranking CTG leaders," LtGen. Almerol enumerated.
Before the presentation, the EastMinCom Commander also showcased some of the firearms captured from the CTG, the notable former CTG leaders who now serve as partners of the government, the completed projects under the Barangay Development Program (BPD), and other significant accomplishments of the Command to the outgoing National Security Adviser.
Retired Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr., former EastMinCom Commander and AFP Chief of Staff, and the incoming Officer-in-Charge of the Department of National Defense (DND), as well as Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib of Davao del Norte also attended the activity.
MGen. Nolasco A. Mempin, Commander of 10th Infantry Division (ID); MGen. Wilbur C. Mamawag of 4ID; Commo. Carlos V. Sabarre of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM); BGen. Potenciano C. Camba, EastMinCom Deputy Commander and Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon Commander; PMGen. Filmore B. Escobal of Area Police Command - Eastern Mindanao (APC-EM); PBGen. Edgar Allan O. Okubo, Deputy Regional Director of Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11); Col. Francis Marlon S. Wong, the Commander of 52nd Engineer Brigade; and other heads of security units in Davao were likewise present.
Sec. Esperon, Gen. Faustino, PMGen. Escobal, PBGen. Okubo, and Gov. Jubahib were accorded military honors by the Command and welcomed by LtGen. Almerol.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), has reported the successful implementation of security operations during the inauguration of Vice-President (VP) Sara Z. Duterte at the San Pedro Square, Davao City, on June 19.
LtGen. Almerol said this after the historic event culminated with peaceful, orderly, and zero-violence and atrocities reported.
It can be recalled that the Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon, EastMinCom's anti-terrorism unit, led by BGen. Potenciano C. Camba has implemented a series of coordination meetings and joint security operations with various security units before and during the inauguration day to ensure the safety and security of the Vice-President, national and foreign dignitaries, and the people of Davao from possible threats.
It can be recalled that the Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon, EastMinCom's anti-terrorism unit, led by BGen. Potenciano C. Camba has implemented a series of coordination meetings and joint security operations with various security units before and during the inauguration day to ensure the safety and security of the Vice-President, national and foreign dignitaries, and the people of Davao from possible threats.
EastMinCom has also deployed its security contingent on June 17, together with the more than 3,700 security personnel of other units during the Security and Safety Cluster's Send-Off Ceremony held at the Davao City Police Office Parade Ground.
The said contingent was composed of the personnel and assets from the 10th Infantry Division, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, Joint Task Force Haribon, and Headquarters EastMinCom.
In a message, Angel B. Sumagaysay, Head of the Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), expressed his appreciation to all members of the security sector, including EastMinCom, for contributing to the success of the ceremony.
"On behalf of the Security and Safety Clusters, I would like to extend my gratitude...to all who supported us to ensure that the Oath-taking Ceremony of Vice-President Sara Duterte will be conducted orderly and peacefully," he said.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol attributed the successful security operations through the synergy of civilians and government security forces.
"The vigilance of Davaoeños, combined with the broad presence of security forces in Davao, is enough guarantee that anyone who has ill intentions during the inauguration will not prevail. It shows that with this convergence through "Culture of Security," EastMinCom and all security forces in Davao are capable of securing national and international events," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander also congratulated Vice-President Sara Duterte on her inauguration as the second head of state and expressed his commitment of ensuring the security in Eastern Mindanao during the new administration.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Voluntary cooperation of ranking Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members recently captured by Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troopers led to the recovery of 12 high-powered firearms in an arms cache at the hinterlands of Tankalaw, Brgy. Coronobe, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on June 13.
EastMinCom Commander, LtGen. Greg T. Almerol bared that joint forces of 10th Infantry Division's 701st Brigade and 1001st Brigade, 1st Davao de Oro Police Mobile Force Company, Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police, and intelligence units immediately launched an operation after the CTG leaders divulged the arms cache's location.
He also said the CTG personalities cooperated with the government forces due to the humane and respectful treatment of the troops.
The captured high-powered firearms were composed of an M60 Machine Gun, two AK47 rifles, two 40mm Granade Launchers, an M16 Elisco rifle, an M16 Bushmaster, a Metroarms Firebird M4 rifle, and three M16 A1 Elisco rifles.
It can be recalled that the 701st Brigade, PNP units, and intelligence units captured six CTG members at Purok Kauswagan, Brgy. Mapawa, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on June 12 during an intelligence operation.
In another incident, troops of the 901st Brigade's 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) clashed with an estimated 15 CTG members at Sitio Tigbao, Barangay Balite, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte on June 14.
The encounter transpired after troops responded to the information from concerned civilians regarding the presence of the armed group who were conducting extortion activities in the area.
Troops of the 901st Brigade seized an M16 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, assorted ammunition, medical kit, a half-sack of rice, ponchos, backpacks, batteries, electrical tester, mess kits, electrical wire, personal belongings, and subversive documents following the encounter.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander expressed that the series of clashes, surrenders, and firearms recovery are results of the synergy between the government security forces, former rebels, and the civilian sector.
"We are thankful for local government units, former rebels, and the civilian community for their full collaboration that has led to the series of setbacks against the CTG. With our continued engagement, it is only a matter of time before we can finally attain the ultimate peace and development in this part of the country," LtGen. Almerol said.
He also reiterated his call to the communist terrorist remnants to surrender, avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and support the government's initiatives to attain peace and development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has declared the total collapse of the Communist Terrorist Group's (CTG) oldest guerilla unit in Mindanao as its top leaders surrendered to the troops of the 10th Infantry Division's (ID) 1001st Brigade and intelligence units at the hinterlands of Maragusan, Davao de Oro on June 10.
LtGen. Almerol identified the personalities as alias Dan-dan, Secretary of Guerilla Front 2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF2, SMRC), and alias Jeg/JR, her party husband and Commanding Officer. Accompanying them were alias Kevin/Jelong, Squad Leader, and alias Den-den, Squad Supply Officer of Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), SMRC.
He also said that the high-ranking CTG leaders decided to yield after being cornered in the series of pursuit operations launched by EastMinCom troops and abandoned by Eric Jun Casilao, alias Elian/Wally, the Secretary of SMRC.
"The recent development confirms that the GF2, the oldest unit of the CTG in Mindanao, is now dismantled. It leaves us confronting one remaining CTG unit under the SMRC. Rest assured that we will hunt its leaders to end their atrocities, once and for all," LtGen. Almerol emphasized.
In another incident, 11 CTG personalities who were remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, NCMRC), also yielded to the troops of 403rd Brigade's 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the 4ID at Brgy Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on June 6.
The yielders brought along six high-powered firearms and one low-powered firearm.
On the other hand, Three firearms composed of two AK-47 rifles and a Caliber .357 pistol were likewise captured by the troops of 701st Brigade's 67IB, together with the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, 2nd Davao Oriental Police Mobile Force Company, and other intelligence units after Joey Serman Billiones, a former member of Baking Squad, Regional Operations Command (ROC) of SMRC, revealed the location of an arms cache at Sitio Bayong, Barangay Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental on June 7.
Another arms cache, composed of two M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition, was discovered by the troops of the 901st Brigade's 65IB as two Militia ng Bayan (MB) members under SRC Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) revealed its location at Brgy. Tagbongabong, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte on June 8 following their surrender.
The surrenderors also disclosed that they decided to abandon the armed struggle after witnessing their comrades who surrendered before them were unharmed and treated with high respect by the troops.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the efforts and dedication of the troops to realize President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's marching order to defeat the CTG to attain peace and development in the country.
"Our focused military operations coupled with the government's development efforts have put the CTG on the brink of collapse for just six years after they have reigned terror for more than 50 years in this part of the country. Their extinction in Eastern Mindanao is in sight as communities and their former members are already on our side," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander also reiterated his call to remnants of the CTG to peacefully surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP