Eastmincom cites accomplishments

From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 27): Eastmincom cites accomplishments

THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) claimed several accomplishments during its 10th Founding Anniversary celebration held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City on Friday, August 26.

Eastmincom commander Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo Guerrero said there were already 115 barangays cleared from the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA), paving the way for the declaration of the five provinces and one city in its area of responsibilities (AOR) as conflict-manageable and development ready areas (CMDRAs).

Guerrero said this was made possible through the effective convergence of the local government units (LGUs), local government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), security sectors, and other stakeholders.

He also reported the number of the NPA rebels was reduced by 115, while the number of the NPA firearms has been reduced by 177. He said this reduction in the NPA's armed capability has been the result of the effective barangay immersions by the Army's peace and development teams supported by the local communities.

Guerrero said as a result of their barangay immersions, there were 5,199 NPA sympathizers surfaced to renounce the armed struggle. He added that many of them are now enrolled in the livelihood programs being implemented by the LGUs.

"The command has not only been involved in internal security operations, it has also been active in territorial defense operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, international defense security engagements, and even in support to law enforcement operations," Guerrero said.

He said through the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the command was able to conduct 287 various naval operations, logging a total of 3,266 hours steaming time along the 16,667 nautical-mile stretch of maritime area of responsibility, while the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 and 11 conducted 1,566 air operations, including maritime air patrols.

"The security of our maritime borders was also the focus of our international defense security engagements. On June this year, the command participated in a coordinated maritime patrol with the Indonesian navy as part of an existing border crossing agreement," Guererro said.

 Guerrero added that the command has also deployed personnel of the TOG 11 and the Army’s 10th Infantry Division to put-off the fire that hit Mt. Apo, in terms of the disaster operation. He said a total of 90 helicopter sorties had been performed to survey and drop water and ice over the affected areas.

He said support to law enforcement operations was also given emphasis with President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to join the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its fight against illegal-drugs and criminality.

"With these accomplishments, I give recognition to all the units under the operational command and control of the Eastmincom for pursuing the accomplishment of our mission. I thanked our partners and the stakeholders, especially the local chief executives, for supporting our peace and development efforts in the barangays," Guerrero said.

Guererro said the celebration marks not only a significant milestone in its existence, but also highlights the strong and lasting partnership that the Eastmincom has been able to establish with its stakeholders over the years.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2016/08/27/eastmincom-cites-accomplishments-494131