NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The AFP's Eastern Mindanao Command recorded another breakthrough following the death of a notorious NPA terrorist leader in Mabini, Davao de Oro on Wednesday, January 5.

 

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LtGen. Greg Almerol, Commander of the EastMinCom identified the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) as Menandro Villanueva alias Bok, the longest-serving and most wanted CNT leader in Mindanao who was killed in a clash against government troops in Brgy Libudon.

Villanueva held key positions in the CTG organization in Mindanao and is a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

 
He was among the founding members of the NPA along with Edgar Jopson in the 1970s and was associated with the CTG as a student at the Philippine Science High School where he became an activist under the Kabataang Makabayan (KM). Throughout his 51 years with the CTGs, he was wanted for several charges including multiple murder, double frustrated murder, arson, robbery with intimidation, and rebellion, among others.

Almerol lauded the troops for the accomplishment and the sacrifices of each member of the AFP's EastMinCom.

 

"Indeed, this new year truly means a lot in the fulfillment of our mandate to the people - to end this five decades insurgency and bring peace and development to the people of eastern Mindanao - that even I, myself along with most of our personnel did not avail of any holiday break but instead devoted our time in helping the community that was devastated during the onslaught of Typhoon "ODETTE" and personally supervise the ongoing operations within our operational jurisdiction."

"Setting aside our personal desire and time with our loved ones during the holidays, our soldiers made sure that mission accomplishment is paramount at all times," he furthered.

He also added that Villanueva’s loss left a huge void within the CTG and a major blow to their organization.

“It will take the CTG some time to replace a seasoned leader as Villanueva. As a result of this, we expect more communist terrorists to either yield to the troops or continue to suffer defeats under an inexperienced leader in the coming days."

"With this milestone, I am forever grateful to each and everyone of you for helping your Armed Forces in our quest to a just and lasting peace here in Eastern Mindanao Command," Almerol ended.

As to this report, EastMinCom has already neutralized 17 top NPA terrorists and tallied 545 surrenders since 1st Qtr 2021.

 

 

 

Through the intensified focused military operations of the Command and the strong support of the communities, Local Government Units, and former rebels and cadres, a total of 70 communist terrorists were killed in combat operations, 147 were apprehended, arrested and captured, 630 capitulated, and 1,224 allies withdrew their support for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in 2021.

Soldiers of EastMinCom were also able to cut down the CTG’s resources by recovering 690 high-powered and low-powered firearms through combat operations and surrender.

In the same vein, troops were able to secure several communities from the CTG’s indiscriminate attacks through the recovery of 97 International Humanitarian Law-banned anti-personnel mines.

On top of these, 192 CTG lairs were also discovered by the troops in several parts of Eastern Mindanao through the aid of concerned citizens and former rebels who shared information with intel value.

Among the breakthroughs of EastMinCom since LtGen. Almerol took its helm on March 8, 2021 include the dismantling of eight CTG Guerrilla Fronts (GFs) identified as GF 4A, GF 88, GF North, GF South, GF 68A, GF 55, GF 89, GF Malayag and the Regional Guerrilla Unit, Pulang Bagani Command.

EastMinCom also delivered major blows to the CTG when it neutralized a total of 22 key CTG personalities which included Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, Commander and spokesperson of the National Operations Command and also of National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao; Arian Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit, Secretary of Guerilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC); Pedro Arnado, Chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas - SMRC; Danny Huit alias Bosyong, Secreteary of GF North; Khim Agad Mapoy alias Patrick, Secretary of GF4A Sub-Regional Committee 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim, Secretary of GF Malayag; Adelaida Magpatok alias Gwen/Emyang /Kudaw/Robby, Former Secretary of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), NDF consultant, and CPP-NPA-NDF Central Committee Member; Jocy Villaruel Papasin alias Domai, Front Secretary of Guerrilla Front 18, Sub-Regional Committee 2, SMRC; and Billy Berana Jr. alias Borjack/Simeon, Secretary of Guerrilla Front Alip, Regional Operations Command, Regional Sentro de Grabidad, FSMR; Anna Sandra Reyes alias Kaye, Central Committee member of the CPP and Secretary of the Regional City and Town Committee (RCTC) of the SMRC.

While making sure that efforts to curtail the communist armed conflict continue their course, troops were also able to make their presence felt in times of crisis by performing their duties as frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic and natural calamities.

LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops for these accomplishments which he said were significant in helping the country move forward with its goal to quell the more than five decades of communist terrorism in the country.

“Our troops have proven their true mettle not only in combat operations but also in times of crisis. Navigating through the pandemic and natural calamities while doing their mandated tasks as protector of the State and the people made our forces even more resilient and ready to come to the Filipino’s aid at all times,” LtGen. Almerol said.

“All of these accomplishments, however, would not be possible without the strong support from our stakeholders who are as determined as we are in ending the local communist armed conflict in Eastern Mindanao and the entire Philippines,” LtGen. Almerol expressed, urging Filipinos to continue to be on board in order to achieve the collective dreams of long-lasting peace and development.

Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander reiterated his call on the remaining CTG members and leaders to consider embracing a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict by accepting the government’s offer through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. He also added that their surrender could be part of their New Year's resolution to finally live a peaceful life together with their families.

LtGen. Almerol also assured the public that EastMinCom's will continue to maximize their efforts in addressing the challenges brought by communist terrorism through combat and non-military means.


Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

 

EastMinCom troops were deployed along with personnel from the Office of Civil Defense-11 (OCD-11), Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), Department of Social Welfare and Development-11(DSWD-11), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

 

After seeing firsthand the extent of damage caused by Typhoon Odette in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region during aerial surveillance, LtGen. Almerol immediately ordered the creation of JTF Sambisig, which was officially activated on December 21, 2021 and headed by Joint Task Force Seahawk Commander, Commodore Carlos V. Sabarre.

 

It will establish temporary Headquarters in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte to better supervise the deployment of troops in the conduct of Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and properly facilitate the distribution of relief goods.

 

JTF Sambisig has four components namely the JTF Seahawk as TF Karagatan for Sea Component; JTF Diamond and JTF Agila as TF Katihan for the Land Component; Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao as TF Himpapawid for Air Component; and TF Locally-Stranded Individuals (LSI).

 

Other units under EastMinCom’s operational control also joined forces to form three more components to provide support to JTF Sambisig namely the Health Service Center–Eastern Mindanao as TF Kalusugan for Health Service Component; 5th Civil Relations Group as TF Pakikitungo for Civil Relations Component; and 52nd Engineer Brigade as TF Pagsasaayos for Engineering Component.

 

Under the initiative, troops were sent to typhoon-affected areas in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region to fast-track the rehabilitation of damaged facilities and other buildings, facilitate relief missions, and provide a general direction and control of disaster operations to expedite response and assistance in rescue and relief operations.

 

Among the major tasks of the deployed forces also include the formulation of an operational plan for disaster response operations based on a worst-case scenario, establishment of communication linkages that could be utilized during relief operations, provision of medical assistance to typhoon-affected individuals, and provision of the land, sea, and air transport for the quick delivery of relief supplies and personnel including ferrying stranded individuals and tourists.

 

EastMinCom also continues its “Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan” program to ensure the peaceful and orderly distribution of donated goods to typhoon-affected people, especially since the country is still navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Through the "Tulong Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan Progam," LtGen. Almerol urges the public to stand as one in delivering in-kind donations for the typhoon-affected people, which they can drop at Headquarters EastMinCom located at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

 

“Learning from the lessons of the past catastrophes, along with the limited resources at hand, we ought to extensively utilize the assets of our respective offices. We will maximize and harmonize our resources by combining sea, air, and land-based mobility and strategy in relief and rescue operations to permit more promptness and efficiency in our recovery efforts,” LtGen. Almerol said.

 

“As first responders, your tasks are crucial and we cannot afford to waste time. I urge everyone to perform their assigned tasks effectively and with due caution. Develop good teamwork among yourselves in this mission,” LtGen. Almerol told the departing troops.

 

Meanwhile, heads of different agencies involved in disaster relief missions such as DSWD-11 Director Ronald Ryan Cui, OCD-11 Director Manolito P. Orense, TOW-EM Commander BGen. Jeffrey Vilela, and PCG-Eastern Mindanao Commo. Allan Corpuz also graced the send-off ceremony to signify cooperation and unity.

 

 

 

Out of the six surrenderers, two communist terrorists who belong to Platoon Andoy of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) identified as Todong Balite Manlologpis alias Borjack, Commanding Officer, and Magno Colot Maas alias Richard, Squad Leader of Segunda, Platun Andoy, capitulated to the troops of 1003rd Brigade’s (Bde) 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 27th IB at Sitio Bagang, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod on December 13, 2021.

 

Manlologpis and Maas also revealed the location of an arms cache in the same area, leading the troops to recover eight high-powered firearms consisting of four M16 rifles, a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a Colt M653 rifle, and two M14 rifles.

 

Another two communist terrorists belonging to SRGU, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, SMRC) identified as Kimkim Balite alias Tambutso, Squad Leader of Platoon Basil, and Hazel Samson alias Kat, Logistic Officer, also surrendered to 1003rd Bde’s 89th IB and an Intel unit and gave up an M16 rifle in Barangay Bulalang, San Fernando, Bukidnon on December 12, 2021.

 

On the same date, another combined troops from the 1003rd Bde's 56th IB and 89th IB also recovered three firearms composed of a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a CZ 858 Tactical-4V rifle, and an M1 Carbine rifle from SRGU, SRC5, SMRC at Sitio Sinegawan, Barangay Sto. Domingo, San Fernando, Bukidnon through information disclosed by a former rebel.

 

The 1003rd Bde reported that due to the success of their operations in the last five months, it has brought down the strength of SRC5, SMRC, and Platoon Bagsik from 80 communist terrorists to only nine active members as of press time.

 

The Brigade was able to get these figures through the insight of former rebel Arian Jane Ramos alias Marikit, the former Secretary of Guerrilla Front 55.

 

“With this remaining number of their members, the SRGU, SRC5 of SMRC is as good as dismantled. It is impossible for them to continue to operate with only a few men, that is why I urge the remaining members of CTG's to surrender peacefully to the government instead of wasting their time and energy in hiding,” LtGen. Almerol said.

 

Meanwhile, another two rebels belonging to the Loader Platoon, SRC2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) identified as Alambo Coguit Balamban alias Jeric of Abe, Squad 1 and Janjan Ahing Ganansya alias Jekjek of Baking, Squad 2 also surrendered and gave up their firearms composed of an M16 rifle and a Cal. 45 pistol to 1001st Bde’s 60th IB at Camp Morgia, Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on December 10, 2021.

 

LtGen. Almerol praised the troops’ “unparalleled dedication to ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022” and as well as the former rebels’ continued support to the military’s operations by disclosing vital information with intel value.

 

“Our troops have demonstrated through these accomplishments their dauntless actions to confront the Communist Terrorist Group for the benefit of the many Filipinos residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas who deserve to live a peaceful life in the safety of their communities,” LtGen. Almerol said.

 

The EastMinCom Commander added that the surrenderers had made the right decision to yield peacefully instead of continuing to resist government forces which only brings pain, suffering, and death.

 

"To the remaining communist terrorists, may you emulate the example set by your former comrades who already chose the path of peace under the care of the government. Do not let this Christmas season pass without making the decision to surrender because surely, in 2022, the military will only become more relentless in its pursuit of peace and development as part of the goal to end the local communist armed conflict next year,” LtGen. Almerol stressed.