New EastMinCom chief vows to end local communist armed conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): New EastMinCom chief vows to end local communist armed conflict (By Joey Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY Jan. 27 (PIA) The newly-designated commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command vowed to steering the contingent to greater heights taking the cue from the previous leaders who brought honor and prestige to the Filipino soldiers by good work ethics and principles through professionalism, excellence and responsible leadership.

Major General Jose Faustino Jr., the 12th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command vowed to do his best to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in his area of responsibility.

He said that under his leadership, the EastMinCom will remain resolute to defeat the communist terror group and to finally free the Filipino people as victors against the nefarious activities of the rebels.

“Now, as the 12th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, I am harnessing my experiences and values to hopefully inspire all troopers to do the same by ending the communist terrorists who have been causing chaos, economic sabotage and exploitation of the vulnerable communities for more than 50 years now,” Faustino said.

He said that the command has spearheaded the fight against the communist terrorists and its efforts has been the benchmark of success for the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Faustino said the command will continue its mission because it is the right thing to do.

He said with his experience, he tends to understand the endless manipulation and deception employed by the communist terrorists to the society, which led to the death of many children, countless families orphaned and suffering brought about by the loss of love ones.

“Enough is enough. This war has to end,” Faustino said.

He said the military will take the fight at the heart of the communist ideology, at the heart of their comfort zones, to the deepest and farthest guerrilla bases.

Faustino said that the soldiers will not tire and will not falter so that no Filipino will continue to be hostage to this activity again.

Faustino was installed to office by General Felimon Santos, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces who was also his predecessor in the EastMinCom.

During his stint as commander of the 10th Infantry Division, he was involved in the conduct of focus military operations that resulted in the dismantling of rebel formations and their shadow government in Regions XI and XII.

Faustino also led in pushing the “whole-of-nation-approach” to end local communist armed conflict and fully supported the localized peace talks by the local government units. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033496