THE EASTERN Mindanao Command reported that more than 2,000 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were neutralized under it’s area of responsibility last year.
Maj. Alex Mindalano, the EastMinCom spokesperson, said a total of 70 communist rebels were killed in combat operations, 147 apprehended, arrested and captured, and 630 who surrendered. Meanwhile, 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.
Moreover, troops were able to secure several communities from the NPA’s indiscriminate attacks through the recovery of 97 anti-personnel mines, banned by the International Humanitarian Law.
On top of these, 192 rebel lairs were also discovered by the troops in several parts of Eastern Mindanao through the help of concerned citizens and former rebels who shared the information.
Since LtGen. Greg Almerol took helm on March 8, 2021, the EastMinCom dismantled 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 NPAs when it neutralized a total of 22 key personalities which included Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, 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, secretary 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.
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,” he 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,” Almerol expressed, urging Filipinos to continue to be on board in order to achieve the collective dreams of long-lasting peace and development.
Furthermore, the EastMinCom chief reiterated his call on the remaining NPA 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.
Almerol also assured the public that EastMinCom will continue to maximize their efforts in addressing the challenges brought by communist terrorism through combat and non-military means.
