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 – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) through the directive of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has successfully foiled the planned attacks of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) against civilian communities as the troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade killed a CTG high-ranking leader and two of his companions during an encounter in Brgy. Tupaz, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on March 27.
They were identified as Ezequil Cortez Daguman, Central Committee member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), Executive Committee member of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), and Deputy Secretary/Intelligence Officer of Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC; Ruel Baylon; and Quirino Remegio, all members of ROC, SMRC.
Troops also seized high-powered firearms and war materiel composed of three M4 rifles, an M16A1 rifle, an AK47, two M203 grenade launchers, an improvised explosive device (IED), several 40mm high-explosive ammunitions, 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunitions, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.
LtGen. Almerol said that the encounter occurred a day before the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) wherein it was purportedly directed by the CPP to conduct terroristic activities against vulnerable communities. However, these were preempted through the report of concerned citizens.
"Our troops who have been conducting focused military operations since last year to sustain our crackdown against the remaining CTG were alerted by concerned citizens on the presence of armed groups attempting to plant an IED along the road. This was immediately responded to by the 1001st Brigade's troops, which led to a series of armed encounters and resulted in the death of Daguman and his comrades," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander bared that Daguman was a notorious CTG personality who was wanted for various crimes including kidnapping, serious illegal detention, double murder, robbery with violence, and murder.
"He was involved in the attacks and burning of the Lapanday Corporation Plastic Plant and Lorenzo Farm in Davao City, and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City on April 29, 2017. This led to the death of a fish vendor identified as Larry Buenafe during an IED explosion, which was supposed to block EastMinCom's responding troops," he recalled.
Apart from this, Daguman was also pointed to the murder of Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader in Paquibato, Davao City in 2015.
"With the death of Daguman, those who fell victim to his atrocities, particularly the Indigenous Peoples and innocent civilians in Mindanao will now be given justice," LtGen. Almerol expressed.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander assessed that the CTG's foiled attacks add more proof of their weakened capability due to the massive neutralization of their leaders and members, recovery of firearms, and withdrawal of support of mass organizations.
For the 1st Quarter of 2022, EastMinCom has recorded the neutralization of 357 CTG personalities composed of 126 surrendered, 20 killed, 14 captured/apprehended, and 197 withdrawing their support. Troops also seized a total of 176 firearms composed of 157 high-powered and 19 low-powered, as well as recovered 59 anti-personnel mines.
LtGen. Almerol further shared that the CTG is on the verge of collapse, especially in the area of Davao Region, following the successive neutralization of its ranking leaders in the previous days and the firm support of the communities and local leaders to put an end to the local communist armed conflict.
"The CPP-NPA's threats are mere words to show force. These are already futile to their forces on the ground who are hungry, exhausted, and lack the resources to continue fighting due to the series of encounters with our troops," he said.
"With our continued focused military operations and support of the local government units, local agencies, and other civilian sectors, we will ensure that the CTG's reign of terror will end until we finally achieve total peace and development in this part of our country," he added, emphasizing that "the CTG is now at the sunset of their 53 years of cruelty."
The EastMinCom Commander also reiterated his appeal to the remaining members of the CTG to spare their lives by yielding to troops just as their former comrades who are now enjoying the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) – a government intervention to aid them as they reintegrate into mainstream society.
"Time and again, we are giving you the chance to live a new and peaceful life through the programs of government. May the recent death of your three comrades convince you that we are serious in our call. Those who will not heed will surely fall at the hands of government security forces," he said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
Troops also seized high-powered firearms and war materiel composed of three M4 rifles, an M16A1 rifle, an AK47, two M203 grenade launchers, an improvised explosive device (IED), several 40mm high-explosive ammunitions, 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunitions, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings.
LtGen. Almerol said that the encounter occurred a day before the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) wherein it was purportedly directed by the CPP to conduct terroristic activities against vulnerable communities. However, these were preempted through the report of concerned citizens.
"Our troops who have been conducting focused military operations since last year to sustain our crackdown against the remaining CTG were alerted by concerned citizens on the presence of armed groups attempting to plant an IED along the road. This was immediately responded to by the 1001st Brigade's troops, which led to a series of armed encounters and resulted in the death of Daguman and his comrades," he said.
The EastMinCom Commander bared that Daguman was a notorious CTG personality who was wanted for various crimes including kidnapping, serious illegal detention, double murder, robbery with violence, and murder.
"He was involved in the attacks and burning of the Lapanday Corporation Plastic Plant and Lorenzo Farm in Davao City, and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City on April 29, 2017. This led to the death of a fish vendor identified as Larry Buenafe during an IED explosion, which was supposed to block EastMinCom's responding troops," he recalled.
Apart from this, Daguman was also pointed to the murder of Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader in Paquibato, Davao City in 2015.
"With the death of Daguman, those who fell victim to his atrocities, particularly the Indigenous Peoples and innocent civilians in Mindanao will now be given justice," LtGen. Almerol expressed.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander assessed that the CTG's foiled attacks add more proof of their weakened capability due to the massive neutralization of their leaders and members, recovery of firearms, and withdrawal of support of mass organizations.
For the 1st Quarter of 2022, EastMinCom has recorded the neutralization of 357 CTG personalities composed of 126 surrendered, 20 killed, 14 captured/apprehended, and 197 withdrawing their support. Troops also seized a total of 176 firearms composed of 157 high-powered and 19 low-powered, as well as recovered 59 anti-personnel mines.
LtGen. Almerol further shared that the CTG is on the verge of collapse, especially in the area of Davao Region, following the successive neutralization of its ranking leaders in the previous days and the firm support of the communities and local leaders to put an end to the local communist armed conflict.
"The CPP-NPA's threats are mere words to show force. These are already futile to their forces on the ground who are hungry, exhausted, and lack the resources to continue fighting due to the series of encounters with our troops," he said.
"With our continued focused military operations and support of the local government units, local agencies, and other civilian sectors, we will ensure that the CTG's reign of terror will end until we finally achieve total peace and development in this part of our country," he added, emphasizing that "the CTG is now at the sunset of their 53 years of cruelty."
The EastMinCom Commander also reiterated his appeal to the remaining members of the CTG to spare their lives by yielding to troops just as their former comrades who are now enjoying the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) – a government intervention to aid them as they reintegrate into mainstream society.
"Time and again, we are giving you the chance to live a new and peaceful life through the programs of government. May the recent death of your three comrades convince you that we are serious in our call. Those who will not heed will surely fall at the hands of government security forces," he said.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
NSFA, 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