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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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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 - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol preempted a planned attack of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) remnants in Bukidnon and recovered high-powered firearms in Caraga Region as intensified focused military operations against dwindling CTG this month.
Troops of the 403rd Brigade's 1st Special Forces Battalion (SFBn) prevented the CTG's plan to raid construction companies in charge of building road projects after clashing in the hinterland of Purok 6, Brgy. Imbayao, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on April 18.
The encounter transpired as government forces responded to information from concerned locals on the presence of armed individuals coercing civilians and planning to conduct atrocities, which led to the death of a CTG Medical Officer identified as Darren Jane Tilucan and the recovery of high-powered firearms and other war materiel composed of two M16 rifles, hand grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition, and backpacks.
LtGen. Almerol said that CTG remnants' attempt to attack construction companies and conduct other atrocities prove that they are anti-development. He also said that this is their way to intimidate companies and the locals to extort money and food since they are starving from the series of encounters with government troops.
"This shows that the CTG wants to prevent the people from enjoying the benefits of peace. This is their response to our development efforts strongly favored by the locals because they want them to remain poor and dependent on the terrorist movement," he said.
"Since they no longer have the support of the people, they are doing banditry to feed their forces who are now hungry and exhausted due to our relentless combat operations," LtGen. Almerol added.
Meanwhile, combined troops of the 401st Brigade’s 75IB, 3SFBn, and 2nd Surigao Del Sur Police Mobile Force Company seized seven AK47 rifles and 17 magazines after concerned citizens and former rebels divulged the location of an arms cache in Sitio Lagangan, Brgy Caras-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur on April 19.
The EastMinCom Commander lauded the cooperation of the local communities, former rebels, and the synergy between the AFP and PNP, which resulted in the recent accomplishment.
"With this new development, we are positive that the CTG's capability to fight will further diminish and lead to their eventual collapse. Hiding their firearms in cache proves that their forces are dwindling because of the series of surrenders, while their deceptive way of recruitment is no longer effective," he assessed.
He also reiterated his call to the remaining CTG leaders and members to surrender and avail the of government interventions such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), "unless you want to follow your comrades who died for a failed ideology."###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops under LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has put the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at a disadvantage in the recent skirmish that killed a top-ranking CTG head extortionist and his comrade in the hinterland of Brgy. Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on April 17.
The clash came as troops of the 901st Brigade's 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to several reports from concerned locals regarding the presence of CTG in the area who were conducting extortion and demanding food supplies.
The two CTG personalities were identified as Samuel Navidas Batican, Commanding Officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16A, Guerilla Front (GF) 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and a certain alias "Yawming."
Troops also seized two high-powered firearms and materials composed of a Colt AR15 rifle, an M14 rifle, two cellular phones, foodstuffs, and other supplies at the encounter site.
LtGen. Almerol said that Batican has pending cases for violation of the Republic Act (RA) No. 10364 or the "Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012" and RA No. 9851 for the use of banned anti-personnel mines (APMs).
On the other hand, a CTG leader identified as Fortunato Suazo Undayon, yielded to the troops of the 901st Brigade's 36IB and 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur after four years of being in the terrorist movement on April 17.
He also brought along an AK47 rifle, an M1 Carbine rifle, magazines, various ammunition, a detonator, and a digital multimeter tester.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol lauded the residents of Brgy. Jaliobong for their cooperation that led to the death of the terrorist members. He also associated the CTG's series of setbacks with the strong support of local communities to government troops, which hindered them to commit atrocities as civilians report their presence.
"If not for the information relayed by the residents, Batican might still be at large today continually committing extortion and other crimes against innocent civilians. We commend them for their cooperation with our troops," he said.
"The people of Eastern Mindanao are now tired of the five decades of unrest in their hometowns. They are now demanding peace and development, which can only be attained by extinguishing the armed conflict brought about by the CTG," LtGen. Almerol added.
The EastMinCom Commander also expressed that the death of Batican and his comrades will give justice to the victims of their atrocities and warned others that "they might suffer the same fate should they continue their crimes and resist to surrender."
"We will be relentless in our fight against you. There is no safe place for you to hide now that the people are on our side. Surrender now and enjoy the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or join your other comrades who fought and died for a useless ideology," he said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the direction of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol foiled the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) plan to disrupt the celebration of Holy Week as troops of the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Infantry Division continually conducting focused military operations clash with CTG remnants in Davao Region and Caraga, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists and seizure of firearms.
Responding troops of the 901st Brigade’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) skirmished with CTG after concerned residents of Brgy. Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur reported the presence of armed group belonging to Guerilla Front (GF) 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on April 14.
The said encounter resulted in the death of two CTG members identified as Dexter Maca Emba and Laig Catapte and the seizure of an AR15 rifle, a CZ858 rifle, assorted magazines and ammunition, a bandolier, food supplies and other war materiel.
Prior to this, an encounter also transpired on April 13 between the troops of the 701st Brigade’s 66IB and combined elements of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and GF2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at Marangig Falls, Brgy. New Albay, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, which led to the capture of alias Darwin, a Squad Medic of Primera, ROC.
This was followed by the recovery of an M14 rifle, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and other war materiel on April 14 when alias Darwin disclosed the location of an arms cache that they buried on April 11 at the encounter site.
LtGen. Almerol said that the cooperation of alias Darwin manifests the genuine adherence of EastMinCom’s troops to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rules of Engagement where captured armed elements are being treated with a utmost respect.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander also lauded the local communities for their vigilance which led to the swift response of EastMinCom troops.
“Our continuous application of the whole-of-nation approach and culture of security will never be in vain. The support of communities, local government units, and other members of society is our most effective tool to finally end the local communist armed conflict,” he said.
He also expressed his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the killed CTG members saying “this would not have happened if they only took heed of our consistent encouragement to surrender.”
“We are once again calling our fellow Filipinos to end their futile fight against our government. Our doors are always open to receive you should you choose to surrender now and help us end the 53 years of terrorism. The benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other government interventions are waiting on your return,” LtGen. Almerol assured. ###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - A wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader who was responsible for several atrocities in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato was killed together with his comrade during a skirmish with the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) at Sitio Panopio, Brgy. Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato on April 13.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of EastMinCom identified the two CTG personalities as Roberto Castillote, Commanding Officer, and Jovilito Yambanao, Political Guide, belonging to the dismantled Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
The firefight ensued as troops of 1002nd Brigade's 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to information on a planned atrocity to be perpetrated by the said armed individuals in Brgy. Malasila when they were first fired upon, resulting in the demise of the two terrorist personalities.
Troops also seized an Uzi Sub-machine gun, two improvised explosive devices (IED), a hand grenade, and a container with gasoline at the encounter site.
It can be recalled that Castillote was pointed out as responsible for the ambush and death of four police and SOCO personnel who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving his group in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 8, 2017. One of the victims was pregnant at that time.
He also has pending warrants of arrest for attempted murder, double attempted murder, frustrated murder, murder, slight illegal detention, robbery, robbery with homicide, and violation of the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.
LtGen. Almerol said that the death of Castillote will finally give justice to the victims of his crimes and prevented others to be victimized by his evil schemes.
"May his death ease the grief of the families left behind by the victims of Castillote’s atrocities who seek justice for long years. With this accomplishment, we also assure that the CTG will no longer revive to cause more human rights violations against our innocent people," he said.
In a separate incident, a high-powered firearm was recovered anew by the troops of the 10th Infantry Division under the 1001st Brigade's 25IB and 28IB together with Davao de Oro Police Mobile Force Company at Sitio Tandik, Barangay Tandawan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on April 13.
The recent discovery of another arms cache came after a former member of Guerilla Front 2 (GF2), SMRC identified as alias Wenwen revealed its location, which hides an M60 Machine Gun.
LtGen. Almerol said it was a follow-up to the operation on April 8 in Sitio Mission, Brgy. Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, aided also by alias Wenwen, which led to the seizure of seven high-powered firearms composed of an M60 Machine gun, a K3 Light machine gun, an M203 Grenade Launcher, four M16 Rifles, and an IED.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander vowed to continue its focused military operations to pursue other wanted terrorists on the run and serve justice for their victims. He also encouraged other members of the CTG to submit themselves or fall next in line to their dead comrades.
"Running away from the long arm of the law is only futile as your crimes will eventually be paid just like what happened to your previous comrades. We will relentlessly pursue you until your victims and their families attain justice," LtGen. Almerol warned.
"Your only option now is to surrender as we can assist you to seek amnesty and probably avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," he added.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - A full cooperation of former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member who recently surrendered to the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol led to the discovery of the largest arms cache in Agusan del Sur this year at the Bagul River, Brgy, Kasapa 2, La Paz on April 11.
The said personality identified as alias Bolo was a member of the Guerilla Front 3 (GF3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRMC), which was recently dismantled following the total surrender of its leadership to the 1001st Brigade's 60th Infantry Battalion (IB).
The recovered high-powered firearms were composed of 10 AK47 Rifles, seven M16 rifles, a Ultimax Light Machine Gun (LMG), an M14 rifle, an M79 Grenade Launcher, a Garand rifle, an M16 rifle with incomplete parts, including one drum magazine for Ultimax LMG, and five magazines of thr AK47 rifle.
It can be recalled on April 7-8, two CTG arms caches were also discovered by EastMinCom troops in Davao de Oro, which led to the recovery of nine high-powered firearms through the aid of former rebels and the synergy of the government’s security forces.
LtGen. Almerol said that the series of arms cache discoveries is a clear manifestation of CTG's ultimate loss of members due to fear of continuous military operations conducted by government troops.
"They are now hiding their firearms since they no longer have members who would bear them. Their recruitment was also ceased when their former mass bases rejected the terrorist group and pledged their support to the government," he said.
"With this recent accomplishment, we could say that the GF3 will have no chance of recuperating. They are inutile without firearms to wield against their former mass bases," LtGen. Almerol added.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander lauded the troops of 10th Infantry Division’s 1001st Brigade, 60IB, and the support of local leaders and former rebels who have shared a bulk of information that is crucial to the success of their series of accomplishments, including the total dissolution of the GF3.
"We have once again proven that the collaboration of all agencies of government is the best way to end the local communist armed conflict. Let us continue this fight to achieve utmost peace and development in this part of our country," he expressed.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander lauded the troops of 10th Infantry Division’s 1001st Brigade, 60IB, and the support of local leaders and former rebels who have shared a bulk of information that is crucial to the success of their series of accomplishments, including the total dissolution of the GF3.
"We have once again proven that the collaboration of all agencies of government is the best way to end the local communist armed conflict. Let us continue this fight to achieve utmost peace and development in this part of our country," he expressed.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP