FILIPINOS will now get a closer glimpse into how the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the exceptional leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, defeated the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the first-ever documentary film "BUKHAD KALINAW: Ang mga Tagumpay ng Eastern Mindanao Command," which finally premiered on July 5 at the Cinematheque Centre Davao, Palma Gil St., Davao City.
I-Docu by John Paul Seniel's presentation of "Bukhad Kalinaw" sheds light on the invaluable contributions of the EastMinCom in attaining peace and security within its joint operational area comprising Regions 11, 13, and parts of Regions 10 and 12. It also narrates the relentless efforts of the Command that led to the declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free and the successful conduct of intensified military operations, which resulted in decisive accomplishments.
Part of this feat was the total dismantling of five Sub-Regional Committees, 15 Guerilla Fronts, six Vertical Formations, and two Independent Platoons of the CTG's Komiteng Mindanao, including the reduction of its components by capturing 1,158 high-powered and 223 low-powered firearms, neutralizing 1,382 CTG regulars with 135 killed, 176 captured, and 862 surrendered, as well as 209 Milisyang Bayan from March 2021 to date.
"The film is a testament to the effectiveness and efficiency of our strategies, the resilience of our troops, and the support of our communities. We will take a journey into the heart of our campaign against insurgency, showcasing the milestones we have achieved, the lives we have transformed, and the hope we have restored," Almerol described during the premiere.
He also thanked the local government units (LGU), youth, former rebels, government agencies, and other peace partners for supporting the Command in attaining its mission. He further expressed his gratitude to the i-Docu team led by Seniel for making the docu-film a reality.
“As we stand at the threshold of a future free from insurgency, I pledge our continued commitment to working hand-in-hand with all our partners in peace. Your Eastern Mindanao Command shall work tirelessly to ensure that the gains we have achieved are not lost and that our region remains peaceful and prosperous for generations to come,” Almerol said.
Narrating how "Bukhad Kalinaw" materialized, Seniel also expressed his appreciation to Almerol for allowing him and his team to document the story of EastMinCom's triumphs and share the good deeds of soldiers that rarely get media attention.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, in a written message, invited fellow Dabawenyos to support and watch the documentary as it promotes the peacebuilding endeavors of the government in communities. "Bukhad Kalinaw is a valuable means to share with the world the exemplary accomplishments of the Eastern Mindanao Command in the fulfillment of our shared goal of eliminating the forces of insurgency in the region as well as providing sustainable peace and order in the near future," he said. PR