THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) vows to sustain peaceful communities and end the armed conflict by neutralizing the remaining rebel group in its area of operations.
The EastMinCom hosted the traditional New Year’s Call to commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on Jan. 17.
Top military officials together with their spouses, officers from the operational component, operational control and post units, chief of offices, staff officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources were all present at the event.
Leading the traditional New Year’s toast, Almerol expressed his gratitude to the commanders who took the lead and allowed EastMinCom the best Unified Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Our New Year’s Call this year is more than just a tradition; it is a great reunion that shows our unity and readiness to face the challenges ahead and seize new opportunities. This occasion is an important moment to reaffirm our commitment to build our nation and continue our quest for lasting peace in our communities, especially in the Eastern Mindanao Command joint operational area,” he said.
Meanwhile, in the Campaign Review and Assessment (CRA) conference held after the ceremony, Almerol said the command maintained a relentless operational tempo throughout 2023.
The Joint Task Forces Agila and Diamond have launched 379 combat operations resulting in the neutralization of 435 communist terrorist groups (CTG) comprising 380 surrenders, 46 deaths, and nine arrests.
Soldiers also recovered 443 firearms, including 326 high-powered and 117 low-powered, while 94 anti-personnel mines were seized, and 44 enemy hideouts were discovered.
In his message, Almerol reminded all personnel to maintain their unwavering commitment and personal readiness in attaining the most important goal of the command – to win peace in Eastern Mindanao.
“Bawat tagumpay na ating ipinagdiriwang, bawat milyang ating nararating, ay bunga ng inyong walang-kapagurang sipag at dedikasyon sa tungkulin (All triumphs we celebrate, all miles we reached, are the result of your never-ending efforts and dedication to your duties),” he said.
