THE Department of National Defense (DND) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the anti-insurgency campaign led by the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) against the communists, particularly in Mindanao.
During the 17th anniversary celebration of EastMinCom held on August 25, 2023, at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City, Defense Secretary Guibo Teodoro lauded the military personnel serving as the frontline in promoting peace and eliminating conflict in Mindanao, especially in its land component.
In his virtual message, Secretary Teodoro congratulated the entire command for their accomplishments and emphasized their transition toward territorial defense. "Congratulations to the entire guerilla fronts. We expect that in the transition to territorial defense, you are beginning your foundational steps into sole doing.”
DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon delivered the entire speech on behalf of Secretary Teodoro. The secretary highlighted the vital role of the military agency in supporting the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
"Due to your collective effort to support NFT-ELCAC, countless lives have been transformed, and communities have found new avenues to thrive in an environment free from fear and violence," Teodoro said.
During this year's anniversary event, EastMinCom showcased its achievements for 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
Notably, around 15 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), including nine members of NPA vertical units, surrendered. The command also recognized the contributions of military personnel from the 4th, 6th, and 10th Infantry Divisions, civil society organizations, tactical operations, and other local government units within its area of responsibility (AOR).
Established on August 28, 2006, EastMinCom holds three infantry divisions in Mindanao: the 4ID stationed at Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; the 6ID in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; and the 10ID in Tuburan, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province. It also oversees the 52 Engineer Brigade based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
The command's primary objective is to prevent terrorism and external aggression within its AOR while simultaneously striving to foster Mindanao's Culture of Peace.
In October 2022, EastMinCom declared the Davao Region insurgency-free. During the Kalinaw Sidlakang (Peace East) Mindanao event, Lt. Gen. Commander Greg Almerol highlighted the neutralization of 706 NPA members and supporters, including 57 high-value targets, as well as the recovery of 598 firearms and 116 anti-personnel mines. DEF