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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 ...
Read MoreNSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has ensured peaceful and orderly National and Local Elections (NLE) on May 9, 2022, after mapping out its security measures in support of other law enforcement agencies in the Eastern Mindanao area.
EastMinCom's role during the elections is in adherence to Memorandum No. 59 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 31, 2021, concurring the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10744 (s. 2021) to deputize law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
LtGen. Almerol assured the public that the EastMinCom units are working jointly with the COMELEC and Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.
He cited that the establishment of Joint Security Control Centers (JSCCs) and Election Monitoring Action Center (EMAC) at all levels of Command are being strictly implemented as part of their security mechanism. This includes the deployment of troops for election duty, conduct of joint checkpoints, and visibility patrol in the area.
“EastMinCom is in close coordination with the PNP and COMELEC in the performance of our duties and functions. We are fully supportive of the Comprehensive and Integrated Security Plan being implemented by COMELEC with AFP and PNP Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) in our areas of responsibility," LtGen. Almerol said.
"We assure the general public of the safe and secure conduct of NLE in Eastern Mindanao. We are currently intensifying random checkpoints to prevent any untoward incident before and during the election period,” LtGen. Almerol added.
LtGen. Almerol bared that all available resources within EastMinCom control such as land, sea, and air assets are on high alert status and will be deployed if necessary, especially during the transportation of election materials in the different polling centers.
Earlier, the AFP, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), together with COMELEC, signed a resolution and commitment through the Joint Letter Directive (JLD) No. 01-2022, which aims to enhance the coordination among signatory agencies and to show their solidarity in fulfilling their roles during the election season.
“We will adhere to our mandate to remain neutral in the coming May 2022 elections and will remain apolitical and non-partisan as we will not take orders meant to give undue advantage to any candidate,” LtGen. Almerol emphasized.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander said that they are closely monitoring any group that could sabotage the elections and intensifying military presence in hotspot areas identified by COMELEC and other areas with security concerns as the local campaign period began.
He also vowed to prevent the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and Local Terrorist Group (LTG) presence in the polling areas and reminded the public to be vigilant of the CTG and LTG's possible atrocities.
He also urged the candidates to resist the CTG's extortion activities in the guise of "permits" as this may be considered a violation of the Republic Act 11479 or the "Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020."
“We will be addressing security threats posed by the CTG and LTGs who may disrupt elections through intimidation, harassment, vote-buying, and through their permit-to-win, and permit-to-campaign schemes. I have already directed all unit Commanders under the EastMinCom to be extra vigilant in their respective areas and strictly monitor the extortion activities of any terrorist groups,” LtGen. Almerol assured.
He also called for the people to exercise their rights and responsibilities whilst the EastMinCom assures their safety and security.
“Go out and vote come election time. EastMinCom will ensure that everyone will be allowed to exercise their freedom to elect their leaders without force and coercion,” LtGen. Almerol urged.###
LtGen. Almerol assured the public that the EastMinCom units are working jointly with the COMELEC and Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.
He cited that the establishment of Joint Security Control Centers (JSCCs) and Election Monitoring Action Center (EMAC) at all levels of Command are being strictly implemented as part of their security mechanism. This includes the deployment of troops for election duty, conduct of joint checkpoints, and visibility patrol in the area.
“EastMinCom is in close coordination with the PNP and COMELEC in the performance of our duties and functions. We are fully supportive of the Comprehensive and Integrated Security Plan being implemented by COMELEC with AFP and PNP Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) in our areas of responsibility," LtGen. Almerol said.
"We assure the general public of the safe and secure conduct of NLE in Eastern Mindanao. We are currently intensifying random checkpoints to prevent any untoward incident before and during the election period,” LtGen. Almerol added.
LtGen. Almerol bared that all available resources within EastMinCom control such as land, sea, and air assets are on high alert status and will be deployed if necessary, especially during the transportation of election materials in the different polling centers.
Earlier, the AFP, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), together with COMELEC, signed a resolution and commitment through the Joint Letter Directive (JLD) No. 01-2022, which aims to enhance the coordination among signatory agencies and to show their solidarity in fulfilling their roles during the election season.
“We will adhere to our mandate to remain neutral in the coming May 2022 elections and will remain apolitical and non-partisan as we will not take orders meant to give undue advantage to any candidate,” LtGen. Almerol emphasized.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander said that they are closely monitoring any group that could sabotage the elections and intensifying military presence in hotspot areas identified by COMELEC and other areas with security concerns as the local campaign period began.
He also vowed to prevent the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and Local Terrorist Group (LTG) presence in the polling areas and reminded the public to be vigilant of the CTG and LTG's possible atrocities.
He also urged the candidates to resist the CTG's extortion activities in the guise of "permits" as this may be considered a violation of the Republic Act 11479 or the "Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020."
“We will be addressing security threats posed by the CTG and LTGs who may disrupt elections through intimidation, harassment, vote-buying, and through their permit-to-win, and permit-to-campaign schemes. I have already directed all unit Commanders under the EastMinCom to be extra vigilant in their respective areas and strictly monitor the extortion activities of any terrorist groups,” LtGen. Almerol assured.
He also called for the people to exercise their rights and responsibilities whilst the EastMinCom assures their safety and security.
“Go out and vote come election time. EastMinCom will ensure that everyone will be allowed to exercise their freedom to elect their leaders without force and coercion,” LtGen. Almerol urged.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NFSA, Panacan, Davao City - A slain member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was left by his comrades while several high-powered firearms were also seized by government troops in separate operations after ground forces of the Eastern Mindanao Command, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol launched an intensified focused military operation at an isolated part of Sitio Montenegren, Brgy. San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on March 21.
The 10-minute skirmish erupted as troops of the 401st Brigade’s 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) tracked down the CTG in response to a report from concerned citizens on the presence of around 20 armed individuals who were harassing civilians and conducting extortion activities in the area.
The troops were also able to seize several high-powered firearms composed of two M16 rifles, two AK 47 rifles, an M653 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, 16 tents, seven backpacks, three commercial radios, a GPS, improvised explosive device (IED) paraphernalia, other war materiel and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
On the same day, three CTG members voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 901st Bde’s 29IB, 65IB, and Chairperson of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
They were identified as Ian Sabsalon Acita, Rubilyn Gaan Antong, and Taton Egom Egbot (Party husband of Rubilyn).
They also brought along an M14 rifle with two magazines and ammunition, an improvised M203 with ammunition, and a Remington Shotgun with ammunition.
The yielders revealed that fatigue, hunger, and sleep deprivation prompted them to surrender after a series of encounters between government troops. They also said that they decided to surrender for fear of death and struggling to survive in the mountains.
LtGen. Almerol cited that the successive neutralization of CTG members in just a day manifests the impact of the whole-of-nation approach that brought former mass organizations of the CTG back to the government through the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict's developmental efforts.
"The lack of support from their former mass bases deprived the CTG with harbor and supplies, which are necessary for them to survive amidst our focused military operations. They can now be easily tracked down and engaged by the troops through the help of communities," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander also extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the slain CTG member, whom he said was only "a victim of deception and wrong ideology," and called out the remaining terrorists to yield.
"To those who are still in the communist terrorist movement, think about the bright future of your family if you will heed our offer to abandon the armed struggle. Do not sacrifice your lives for a useless ideology. Lay down your arms and avail the government’s services through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) before it’s too late," LtGen. Almerol said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – With the intensified focused military operations directed by LtGen. Greg T. Almerol to the maneuver forces of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) to put more pressure among the remnants of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), troops of the 402nd Brigade’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) has neutralized three CTG members belonging to North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) during a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Barangay Plaridel, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 18.
The killed terrorists were identified as Agay Taquin, Andrew Odiongan, and Joan Pajardo.
Troops also seized high-powered firearms and war materiel composed of an M16 rifle with magazine and ammunitions, a Carbine rifle with magazine and ammunitions, a KG9 rifle, five makeshift tents, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
LtGen. Almerol said that the continuous growing number of neutralized CTG members is a clear manifestation of the strong cooperation of the populace to ending local communist armed conflict.
"With no letup in our intensified combat operations, coupled with the strong support from the Local Government Units and the populace, we are optimistic that we can achieve our goals to put an end to the communist armed conflict in Eastern Mindanao and finally make way for unhampered peace and development,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
The EastMinCom Commander also lauded the troops for the recent accomplishment, saying that these are crucial to the attainment of EastMinCom’s campaign for peace and development in Eastern Mindanao.
He also commended the active participation of the populace of Misamis Oriental who gave timely and vital information on the presence of the armed group.
"Your unwavering passion and strong determination to pursue the remaining CTG make our vision of an insurgency-free country closer to its realization,” LtGen. Almerol said.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed that he had continually encouraged the remaining members of CTG to yield and offered them a second chance but some have still chosen the hardest option, which led to their demise.
"Time and again, we have given them the opportunity to live a new and peaceful life through the programs of government. The death of the three terrorists is an example that to those who will not heed will surely fall at the hands of government security forces," he said.
He also reiterated his call to the remaining members of CTG to peacefully surrender and emulate their comrades who have already chosen the path of peace.
"For those who will choose to surrender, various government services through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are waiting on your return. For those who will remain, we will relentlessly hunt you down until you will have no other option but to lay down your arms," LtGen. Almerol added.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NFSA, Panacan, Davao City – A high-ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who was a former spokesperson of the CTG-linked alliance that trafficked Indigenous Peoples (IP) at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran in Davao City yielded to the troops of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Davao Oriental headed by Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang on March 8.
The said personality was identified as Cristony "Jun" Latiban Monzon, also known as Jong Monzon, former Secretary-General of "Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan" (PASAKA) and subsequently the Political Instructor of the Regional Operational Command (ROC) of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
He was also accompanied by his comrades identified as Mentroso Tumagsa Malibato, Platoon Supply Officer of ROC, SMRC/Former Vice Chairman Internal Affairs of PASAKA, and Danny Tiklunay Malibato, Political Guide of SMRC.
LtGen. Almerol said that the three personalities' surrender came after the series of encounters in Davao de Oro, with recently in Andap, New Bataan, between the troops of the 1001st Brigade and ROC of the SMRC.
In a press conference held at the Headquarters of 701st Brigade in Mati City on March 15, Monzon, who was the spokesperson of Haran Bakwit from 2015 to 2021, revealed that the CTG was using the evacuees to project harassment of the military towards IP communities and gain funding from international organizations for the New People's Army (NPA).
He said they were mandated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to use the IPs as the "best defense" of the NPA if there is a presence of government troops in IP communities by crying for human rights violations, which are sometimes fabricated.
Monzon also added that the CTG took advantage of his identity as an IP and his popularity as an activist to show that their statements are true.
"Yung mga sinabi ko noon, siyempre may mga mandate. May mga statement na sasabihin ka...kahit na ayaw kong magsalita. Siyempre ginamit din nila yung popularity ko. Bilang naging known activist di lang dito sa Mindanao kundi sa buong Pilipinas, yun ang tine-take advantage. Hindi lang yung sa pagsasalita, kahit ano, ma-take advantage lang yung pangalan mo," he said.
It can be recalled that on April 21 last year, the Davao City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against the six administrators of Haran for two counts of violation of RA 7610 or Child Abuse Law, which include Jong Monzon, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis, Rev. Daniel Palicte, Ephraim Malazarte, Lindy Trenilla, and Grace Avila.
He also divulged that he was forced to join the armed movement because of the case filed against him.
"Sabi nila 'may mandate tayo na kayo dapat pupunta na sa countryside kasi may kaso na kayo.' Kahit na sabihin kong ayaw kong pumunta sa countryside o doon sa NPA, eh command yan ng mga leaders ng CPP, papuntahin ka talaga," Monzon said.
LtGen. Almerol recounted the same situation to Chad Booc who reportedly integrated into the armed movement after his release from the Cebu City Jail earlier in May 2021 due to the alleged kidnapping of IP children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to a Bakwit School at the University of San Carlos – Talamban in Cebu.
The CTG leader, who was a close ally of Booc, also confirmed that the former volunteer teacher of CTG-linked schools was an armed member of the NPA as they were together in the ROC, SMRC. He also bellied the allegation of Save Our Schools Network that Chad was only in New Bataan to conduct research.
"Nakasama ko siya sa tatlong encounters. Two months siya sumama doon sa New People's Army...naging member siya ng political section. Ginawa nila akong 2nd Political Instructor sa ROC kaya alam ko yung status ni Chad Booc doon," he narrated.
"Narinig ko actually sa meeting (ng SMRC) na sabi ni Ka Ellian (Eric Casilao) 'yan ang ipalabas niyo sa urban committee na nag research sila.' Walang research na nangyari, kasi kasama ko sila. Marami ka pang dadaanan kapag nagsabi ka na may research kang pupuntahan. Punta ka pa ng barangay, punta ka pa kung saang mga (otoridad)," he added.
The CTG leader, who was a close ally of Booc, also confirmed that the former volunteer teacher of CTG-linked schools was an armed member of the NPA as they were together in the ROC, SMRC. He also bellied the allegation of Save Our Schools Network that Chad was only in New Bataan to conduct research.
"Nakasama ko siya sa tatlong encounters. Two months siya sumama doon sa New People's Army...naging member siya ng political section. Ginawa nila akong 2nd Political Instructor sa ROC kaya alam ko yung status ni Chad Booc doon," he narrated.
"Narinig ko actually sa meeting (ng SMRC) na sabi ni Ka Ellian (Eric Casilao) 'yan ang ipalabas niyo sa urban committee na nag research sila.' Walang research na nangyari, kasi kasama ko sila. Marami ka pang dadaanan kapag nagsabi ka na may research kang pupuntahan. Punta ka pa ng barangay, punta ka pa kung saang mga (otoridad)," he added.
Monzon further cited that they decided to surrender due to the difficulties in the terrorist movement, including hunger and fear of dying in combat with EastMinCom's relentless military operations.
On a separate incident, troops of 1001st Brigade’s 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) and intel units discovered arms caches in different locations through the revelation of former rebels (FR) that resulted in the recovery of 11 high-powered firearms on March 12.
The said FRs were former members of the Guerilla Front 3 (GF3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), SMRC who recently surrendered to the 60IB.
Two CTG members identified as alias Kristine and Wanwan who also yielded to the troops of 39IB and 56IB on March 7 and 9 respectively, bringing along two high-powered firearms composed of a Carbine Rifle and an M16A1 Rifle.
LtGen. Almerol assessed that the recent surrender of Monzon, who is a top-ranking CTG personality and the other accomplishments of the Command, reveals the downgraded morale of the CTG's leadership even at the Regional Committee level after they lost the support of the masses.
He also attributed this success to the continuing efforts of the Local Government Units under the TF-ELCAC, support of the communities and former rebels, and the intensified combat operations of EastMinCom troops to end the local communist armed conflict in the Region.
On a separate incident, troops of 1001st Brigade’s 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) and intel units discovered arms caches in different locations through the revelation of former rebels (FR) that resulted in the recovery of 11 high-powered firearms on March 12.
The said FRs were former members of the Guerilla Front 3 (GF3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), SMRC who recently surrendered to the 60IB.
Two CTG members identified as alias Kristine and Wanwan who also yielded to the troops of 39IB and 56IB on March 7 and 9 respectively, bringing along two high-powered firearms composed of a Carbine Rifle and an M16A1 Rifle.
LtGen. Almerol assessed that the recent surrender of Monzon, who is a top-ranking CTG personality and the other accomplishments of the Command, reveals the downgraded morale of the CTG's leadership even at the Regional Committee level after they lost the support of the masses.
He also attributed this success to the continuing efforts of the Local Government Units under the TF-ELCAC, support of the communities and former rebels, and the intensified combat operations of EastMinCom troops to end the local communist armed conflict in the Region.
“The communities' growing cooperation signifies that they have already developed an aversion to, and had grown tired of the CTG’s atrocities that had stunted the economic growth in their areas for many years. This is also a clear manifestation that the communities, especially the IPs, who were vulnerable to exploitation and recruitment of the CTG, no longer welcome them,” LtGen. Almerol added.
He also commended the troops and other involved units for the accomplishment, saying that this is a reflection of their hard work and the fruit of their continuous intensive military operations against CTG.
Meanwhile, EastMinCom Commander reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTG to emulate the decision of their former comrades who are now living a free and peaceful life upon their surrender.
"Our government today is already giving you the chance to have a second life. Surrender now and become our partner in attaining peace and development in our country. We have already proven that wielding arms is not the real solution to the problems of society but only through our whole-of-nation approach," the EastMinCom Commander said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NFSA, Panacan, Davao City - Troops of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has deterred Communist Terrorist Group's (CTG) potential bomb attacks against civilian communities and government forces after the most notorious bombmaking expert in Southern Mindanao along with his two companions were arrested by the joint forces of 1001st Brigade, Philippine National Police (PNP) and intel units during the conduct of Law Enforcement Operations in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City on March 9.
The CTG personalities were identified as Victor Rollon, also know as Rico Rollon, bombmaker of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID) and Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), Christine Joy Adorza Dula, Finance Officer of Guerrilla Front 3 (GF3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), SMRC, and Chargelyn Monta Casquejo, Political Instructor of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC.
LtGen. Almerol said that Rollon has a standing warrant of arrest for Murder and Serious Illegal Detention, Dula for the crime of Rebellion and Insurrection, and Casquejo is wanted for Homicide.
Government authorities also recovered in their possession two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), an M16 rifle, a Caliber .45 pistol with magazines and ammunitions, cellphones with sim cards, medical equipment, and subversive documents.
Meanwhile, troops of the 1002nd Brigade's 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB) together with the Mapalatan Police Station, successfully recovered two IEDs, an M16 rifle, and two Carbine rifles after a former high-ranking CTG pointed the location of an arms cache at Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on February 28.
An arms cache composed of an IED, an M16 rifle, and an M79 grenade launcher was also recovered after a member of the Milisyang Bayan (MB), who surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 901st Brigade's 30IB, revealed its location at Brgy. Magtangale, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte on March 1.
Another Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs) recovered by the troops of 1001st Brigade’s 25IB and PNP after unearthing the three IEDs buried by the CTG along with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Road in Purok 7, Barangay Basa, Trento, Agusan del Sur on March 2, following a report from the concerned citizens who noticed a protruding wire during a road rehabilitation in the said area. The troops successfully secured the community for their safe passage.
Troops from the 403rd Brigade’s 8IB conducting focused military operations also seized three IEDs, an M16 rifle with magazine and ammunition, and a computer laptop after figuring in a 30-minute firefight with the CTG at Sitio Kilap-agan, Brgy. Can-ayan, Malaybalay City Bukidnon on March 3.
As of March 11 this year, EastMinCom has reported that a total of 48 APMs were already recovered by the troops which are almost half of the 97 recovered in 2021.
LtGen. Almerol said that this successful seizure of CTG's explosives manifests the combined success of EastMinCom's focused military operations and the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) efforts.
"We are gaining through the NTF-ELCAC's development efforts in the former CTG mass bases and their genuine support to the surrenderees. This has paved for the cooperation of former rebels and the communities who share vital information, which led to the continued surrender and recovery of various firearms as well as IEDs," he said.
LtGen. Almerol also condemned the CTG for its continued use of APMs that have long been banned by the Geneva Convention, the International Humanitarian Law, and the Republic Act 9851.
"The CTG's incessant use of IEDs despite condemnation from civilians and the international community, show their carelessness towards the security of the civilians. They never halted using these explosives even though it has already cost the lives of innocent civilians like Keith Absalon who was ambushed and killed by the CTG in Masbate last year by detonating an IED," LtGen. Almerol expressed.
The Commander likewise assured the public that the EastMinCom will persist in conducting focused military operations to further dwindle the CTG's capability, especially in conducting bomb attacks. He also encouraged them to embrace the "culture of security" by reporting suspicious individuals and activities in their area to prevent atrocities. ###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP