Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Navy frigates test new countermeasures against anti-ship missiles

From the Philippine Star (Mar 28, 2023): Navy frigates test new countermeasures against anti-ship missiles (Kaycee Valmonte)

The Philippine Navy test-fires its newly-acquired Bullfighter Chaff Decoys aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) on March 24, 2023. Philippine Navy, handout

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy said it tested its newly-acquired Bullfighter Chaff Decoys last Friday in waters off Zambales.

The 130mm chaff countermeasure system has been installed on the country’s two Jose Rizal-class frigates, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151).

The Philippine Navy test-fires its newly-acquired Bullfighter Chaff Decoys aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151). (Photo: Philippine Navy, handout

"The acquisition of the chaff countermeasure capability is part of the Philippine Navy’s 2nd Horizon modernization program to capacitate our warships to defend against modern naval warfare threats," Capt. Benjo Negranza, Philippine Navy spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Bullfighter, made by German firm Rheinmetall, is one of the newer versions of the 130mm decoys for Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaffs (SRBOC) meant to protect ships against anti-ship missiles.

The Philippine Navy said this would be used against attacks by missiles with radio frequency and infrared seekers. Chaff works by "confusing" missiles into seeing bigger clusters of targets or overwhelming them with too many potential targets.

In July 2022, BRP Luna simulated a launch of its surface-to-sruface missiles during the Rim of the Pacific exercies off Hawaii, according to state-run Philippine News Agency. The Navy said then that JS Izumo and USS Mobile Bay played the role of opponent ships during the exercise.

Philippine Navy release

The test-fire comes just weeks ahead of this year’s Balikatan exercises, which are said to be the “biggest” reiteration of the annual military drills of the United States and the Philippines. More than 17,000 American, Filipino, and Australian troops will be participating in the drills.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/28/2255072/navy-frigates-test-new-countermeasures-against-anti-ship-missiles

SOLCOM: Salaknib:Joint Task Force (JTF) Kaugnay Battle Staff and US 25th Infantry Division conducted War Gaming Workshop

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2023): Salaknib: Joint Task Force (JTF) Kaugnay Battle Staff and US 25th Infantry Division conducted War Gaming Workshop

IN PHOTOS

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Kaugnay Battle Staff with the officers from the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army conducted a War Gaming Workshop at the Old Admin Building of the 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on March 22, 2023.

The workshop is part of the ongoing eighth iteration of Salaknib, an annual combined Army exercise that bolsters the interoperability of Philippine and U.S. ground forces.

Photos by Cpl. Josel P. Sucayan PA/OACPA

#StrongUnitedReliable
#StrongerArmyStrongerCountry
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#PhilippineArmy

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=538283185161252&set=pcb.538283715161199

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

JTF-Sulu completes water system project in ex-Abu Sayyaf stronghold

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 24, 2023): JTF-Sulu completes water system project in ex-Abu Sayyaf stronghold

ZAMBOANGA. The Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu together with the Provincial Government of Sulu complete the construction of the 40,000-liter water system in the former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Talipao town. A photo handout shows Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, JTF-Sulu commander (with dark glasses), and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan (in dark blue jacket) engaging in a conversation with other military officials during the inauguration of the Sinumaan Complex Level II Water System on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE military together with the Provincial Government of Sulu completed the construction of the water system in the former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Talipao in that province.

The Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu said the project, known as the Sinumaan Complex Level II Water System, was inaugurated on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

The 40,000-liter water system supplies natural drinking water using gravitational force to the communities in Sinumaan Complex in Talipao, which comprises of the villages of Bud Bunga, Upper Sinumaan, Lower Sinumaan, Kagay; as well as Upper Kamuntayan and Danag in Patikul town.

The funding for the construction of the water system was generated from the full proceeds of the Sulu 1st Heroes Ultra Run held in August 2022, with additional support from Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.

Talipao Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie expressed his deepest gratitude to Tan and the JTF-Sulu as well as the Gawad Kalinga for their initiative in completing the water system project.

“I am also honored that the proceed of the Sulu 1st Heroes Ultra Run was donated to the water system which will benefit five barangays in Talipao and Barangay Danag in Patikul,” Tulawie said

Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, JTF-Sulu commander, said through the active collaboration of the military and local government unit, the Sinumaan Complex had been gradually transformed from conflict-affected area to resilient community.

“Let us continue to work together towards our common vision of sustainable and real inclusive peace in the province of Sulu,” Patrimonio said.

Meanwhile, Tan lauded the efforts of the military to improve the lives of the people of Sulu and urged the community to undertake trainings to hone their skills.

“My gratitude to the military for our partnership to improve the lives of the people of Sulu through this water system which is needed by the communities,” Tan said.

“The province of Sulu has many livelihood potentials such as our native coffee and the abaca production. I encourage the communities to take part on skills training to improve your living conditions,” he added, vowing to support them through services and development of the community. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957012/zamboanga/local-news/jtf-sulu-completes-water-system-project-in-ex-abu-sayyaf-stronghold

2 ‘Alakdan’ officers promoted to higher ranks

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 24, 2023): 2 ‘Alakdan’ officers promoted to higher ranks

ZAMBOANGA. The Armed Forces of the Philippines promotes two officers of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (ID) to the next rank. A photo handout shows Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, 11ID commander (center), congratulating one of the newly promoted officer, Captain Arvin Clark Talco (left), in a donning of rank ceremony Wednesday, March 22, at the division headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Busbus village, Jolo, Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines has promoted two officers of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (ID) to the next higher rank.

Promoted to the next higher ranks were Captain Arvin Clark Talco and First Lieutenant Kate Oresco, the 11ID said in a statement.

Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, 11ID commander, donned ranks to the newly promoted Officers in a simple ceremony Wednesday, March 22, at the division headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Busbus village, Jolo, Sulu.

Patrimonio congratulated the two officers and emphasized that a higher rank comes with bigger obligations and responsibilities entrusted.

The donning of ranks is a time-honored tradition that celebrates and acknowledges the commitment, excellence and leadership capabilities of those who advance in their military careers. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957014/zamboanga/local-news/2-alakdan-officers-promoted-to-higher-ranks

Dawlah Islamiya member arrested in Maguindanao

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 26, 2023): Dawlah Islamiya member arrested in Maguindanao

Government troops arrest a member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) while conducting checkpoint on Wednesday, March 22, in Batulawan village, Pikit, North Cotabato. A photo handout shows the caliber .45 pistol and improvised explosive device the troops seized from the suspect. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A MEMBER of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) was arrested by government troops in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, the police reported.

The Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM) identified the arrested DI-Hassan Group as Mohamid Ali Paglas, 28, a resident of Batulawan village, Pikit, North Cotabato.

The APC-WM said that Paglas was arrested by soldiers around 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in Tugal village, Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.

The police said the troops of the Army’s 14th Mechanized Company were conducting checkpoint when they arrested Paglas was arrested in possession of an improvised explosive device.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect were a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, ammunition for Garand rifle, an improvised explosive device, and a uniform of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

Investigation showed that Ali together with his wife and son escaped from the ongoing focused military operation against Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (Isis)-inspired group at the marshland tri-boundaries of Pikit, Pagalungan and Montawal towns. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957120/zamboanga/local-news/dawlah-islamiya-member-arrested-in-maguindanao

Navsocom install new Naval special Unit commander

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 27, 2023): Navsocom install new Naval special Unit commander

ZAMBOANGA. The Naval Special Operations Command (Navsocom) initiates changes in the leadership of the Naval Special Operation Unit-6 (Navsou-6) based in this city. A photo handout shows Captain Antonio Lalisan, Navsocom acting commander (right), handed over the Navsou-6 command flag to Lieutenant Senior Grade Jamercon Lopez (left), who replaced Lieutenant Senior Grade Kim Aldrin Bulaga (center, partly hidden). (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Naval Special Operations Command (Navsocom) has initiated changes in the leadership of the Naval Special Operation Unit-6 (Navsou-6) based in Zamboanga City.

Installed as the new Navsour-6 commander is Lieutenant Senior Grade Jamercon Lopez, who replaced Lieutenant Senior Grade Kim Aldrin Bulaga.

Captain Antonio Lalisan, the acting commander of Navsocom, presided the change of commander ceremony held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon.

Lalisan commended and congratulated both Bulaga and Lopez for their accomplishments and dedication to the service.

He reminded them they are expected to take every challenged and opportunity reflecting the same respect for their peers and counterparts.

“Your responsibilities require your deep commitment to upholding the standard and ideas of our organization. Taking on this bigger responsibility is a defining moment in your military career,” Lalisan said.

Both Bulaga and Lopez are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Masiglahi” Class of 2009. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957220/zamboanga/local-news/navsocom-install-new-naval-special-unit-commander

Lawmen arrest lost command rebel charged for kidnapping

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 24, 2023): Lawmen arrest lost command rebel charged for kidnapping

LAWMEN have arrested a lost command rebel facing four counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Thursday, March 23, 2023.

Police Colonel Glenn Dulawan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, in his report to the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula, identified the arrested suspect as Idjoh Ibrahim Admain whose aliases include Yajed Admain, Sulutan and Commander Cobra.

Dulawan said Admain was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of warrant of arrest around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in Piña village, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the suspect has pending warrant of arrest for four counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges with no bail recommended issued by a court in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte dated April 20, 2021.

Dulawan said the suspect is listed as the second most wanted person in the municipality of Sirawai.

He said that Admain was among the members of the late criminal gang and lost command rebel leader Maulana Mocaddam operating in Sirawai and Siocon municipalities.

Dulawan added that the group was involved in kidnapping, extortions, illegal logging, cattle rustling, ambuscades, robbery and shooting incidents in cahoots with other criminal gangs in the Zamboanga del Norte. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1956940/zamboanga/local-news/lawmen-arrest-lost-command-rebel-charged-for-kidnapping

7 BIFFs surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 28, 2023): 7 BIFFs surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

ZAMBOANGA. Seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrender to the 33rd Infantry Battalion on Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Zapakan village, Radja Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the BIFF surrenderers together with Lieutenant Colonel Udgie Villan, 33IB in a photo session after they surrendered. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SEVEN Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military authorities in Maguindanao del Sur, the military reported, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

They surrendered at the headquarters of the 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Zapakan village, Radja Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday, March 26.

Major General Alex Rillera, Joint Task Force Central commander, said the surrender of the seven BIFF members is a result of the continuing efforts of the 33IB under Lieutenant Colonel Udgie Villan, to clear their area of operation from the traces of terrorism.

Villan identified the surrenderers were followers of the late Commander Motorola of the BIFF-Karialan Faction.

He said they turned over one caliber .30 M1 Garand, one caliber 7.62-millimeter (mm) rifle with magazine, two 9-mm Uzi with magazines, three improvised explosive devices, and one clip of caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle.

The BIFF surrenderers and firearms are currently under the custody of 33IB for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, urged the remaining BIFF members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration programs that will allow them to live peacefully and become productive members of society.

“Rest assured that together with our partners from the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we will give our full support to those who returned to the fold of the law,” Galido said.

“We will walk with them as they begin a new life and reunite with their families and loved ones,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1957355/zamboanga/local-news/7-biffs-surrender-in-maguindanao-del-sur

AFP-CRS: PBBM: we shall not waver our commitment to the Bangsamoro peace agreements

Posted to the Civil Relations Service-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2023): PBBM: we shall not waver our commitment to the Bangsamoro peace agreements

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said that his administration “will not waver” on its commitment to fully implement the Bangsamoro peace agreements during the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Monday, 27 March 2023.

Less than two months in the office, President Marcos has demonstrated his sincere commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process, where he extended the term of office of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to ensure the passage of the crucial codes. The passage is the foundation of the parliamentary-form BARMM.

Among the crucial codes is the Bangsamoro Electoral Code that was recently passed in the BARMM. The electoral code will lay down the first election in the BARMM in 2025.

#teamCRS
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#supportourtroops

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=605852938251724&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Vanguards of Peace

Posted to the Civil Relations Service-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2023): Vanguards of Peace

Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. strongly supported the commitment of the Marcos administration in fully implementing the peace agreements.

“We have a President who has a vision to complete all the Bangsamoro peace agreements. We all know that the Bangsamoro Peace Process started during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. The current administration is bent on fulfilling the obligation of the government,” USec. Galvez stated.
USec. Galvez, who is the former Presidential Peace Adviser, guaranteed that the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall be the vanguards of peace and security in the Bangsamoro.

“We assure (our people) that the DND and AFP will support the President’s guidance to protect and sustain the peace process,” the Defense Chief said.

“As the OIC of the DND, rest assured that our agency will fully support the CAB’s implementation so that the dividends of peace and development will continue to be felt,” he said.

“The DND and the AFP shall be the vanguards of peace and security in the Bangsamoro. we shall not allow the spoilers of peace to negate the gains we have achieved,” he said.

“The security sector shall help maintain an environment that is conducive to peace and development as the Bangsamoro gears up for its first regular regional election in 2025, which is only two years from now,” he vowed.

#teamCRS
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#supportourtroops

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=605855378251480&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Milestones in the Bangsamoro peace process

Posted to the Civil Relations Service-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 28, 2023): Milestones in the Bangsamoro peace process

Acting Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Isidro L. Purisima lauded the President’s sincere determination to complete the implementation of the signed Bangsamoro peace agreement.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), I extend our deepest appreciation to our President for his heartwarming message, as we all joined the Bangsamoro people and the Filipino nation in celebrating the 9th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” he said.

“Rest assured that under your administration’s banner of unity, the OPAPRU will ensure to carry out your directive of fulfilling the national government’s commitments under all Bangsamoro peace agreements,” Sec Purisma said.

“We are truly inspired by your leadership, which has enabled our agency, in partnership with our various stakeholders, to continue to push forward and sustain the gains of peace in the Bangsamoro and across the country. May the good Lord grant you the strength of mind, body and spirit, as you lead our nation towards a just and lasting peace,” he said.

“We are pleased to say that significant progress has been made since the signing of the CAB. However, as we all know, there is still much more work to be done. This occasion is therefore both a celebration of the milestones we have achieved so far, and at the same time, a reminder of the tasks we still have to accomplish in light of the challenges we continue to face,” he added.

For his part, Ahod “Murad” B. Ebrahim, the Chief Minister of the BARMM, and chair of the MILF, called on the peace stakeholders to continue to support the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Let us seize this opportunity to learn from one another, and work towards a better future for the Bangsamoro people. On the 9th Anniversary of the signing of the CAB, may we all be reminded that this political settlement is not the end of the Bangsamoro narrative but rather a continuation of our life long quest for justice, peace, and progress,” he said.

The President’s video message was shown during a peace forum on the Bangsamoro peace process on Monday. The event was attended by former and current peace panel members, Bangsamoro Transition Authority, non-government organizations, and international partners.

“As we have said before, the path to lasting peace is always under construction... but we shall build and walk this path together, so that our children and the generations more that will follow shall live lives of prosperity and peace. Ang kapayapaang ito na ating itinataguyod ay hindi lang para sa Bangsamoro. Ito ay para sa Bagong Pilipinas - Mapayapa, Masagana, Nagkakaisa,” the President concluded.

#teamCRS
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#supportourtroops

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=605872954916389&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

EASTMINCOM: "3rd SF Battalion, relentless on security operations"

"3rd SF Battalion, relentless on security operations""3rd SF Battalion, relentless on security operations"

3rd Special Forces "Arrowhead" Battalion, Philippine Army
·
Press Release
Date: 28 March 2023
CMO Officer-In-Charge: 1LT JUVENIE B ALPECHE (OS) PA
Contact Number: 0907-193-4696
FB Page and Twitter: 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) battalion

"3rd SF Battalion, relentless on security operations"

Lianga, Surigao del Sur – Troops of the 7th Special Forces Company, 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion (3SFBn), under Lt. Col. Paulo F Baylon, and troops of Alpha Company of 65th Infantry Battalion and 4th Scout Ranger Company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion encountered more or less 10 members of RSDG, NEMRC at Sitio Vertudazo, Brgy San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur last 27 March 2023.

The fifteen-minute armed engagement between the government forces and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) resulted to the death of two (2) CNTs identified by Former Rebels (FRs) as @DANO, Regional Finance, NEMRC and @ZIG, Regional Medical Staff, NEMRC. Moreover, recovered in the encounter site were one (1) M4 Carbine Rifle, one (1) Modified Carbine Rifle, numerous ammunitions and magazines, 12 cellular phones, as well as personal belongings.

This is the rationalization of a deliberately plan action from the information given by the residents in the area. Focus Military Operation (FMO) is part of the relentless effort of the government to neutralize the armed component of the CNTs and to stop their terroristic activities in the communities. Despite the cruel act of the CNTs, the government crafted the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as a goodwill to realize that armed struggle is not the solution to the problem and make them a productive member of the community.

Lt. Col. Paulo F Baylon, Commanding Officer of 3SFBn said that this is the result of the convergence of the Local Government Unit and stakeholders in implementing the Executive Order No. 70, The Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). Through this, the community were empowered and now have the courage to report and condemn the CNTs’ presence in the area.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the CNT members who lost their lives in this senseless fight. We don’t have to end like this, we are sincere in the offer of peace; take advantage of the government’s integration program for it will provide you more opportunities to start a new life. I am appealing to the remaining CNTs to surrender and lay down your arms. To those who opted to stay in the armed struggle, we will continue to hunt and submit you to the folds of the law”, LTC Baylon added.

#AFPYoucantrust
#PhilippineArmy
#Arrowheadyoucantrust
#3SFBn

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=602253288613836&set=pcb.602253321947166

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom Chief elated with the accomplishments of military units under his command

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 26, 2023): WestMinCom Chief elated with the accomplishments of military units under his command

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 24, 2023

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, was elated with the accomplishments of the different military units in the campaign against terrorism and lawlessness.

“I am happy that we are able to sustain the momentum and continue to gain grounds through the hard work and dedication of our soldiers and the indefatigable support of our partners, stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Galido expressed.

The WestMinCom Commander expressed his elation after receiving reports of successful operations from the ground units.

During the conduct of a checkpoint operation at Bulod Detachment, Barangay Bulod, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, at noon of March 23, combined elements of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, and Sultan sa Barongis (SSB) Municipal Police Station intercepted two violators of RA 10591.

The apprehended personalities were identified as Lagasi Bansil, 18 years old, and Singan Kabuwat, 19 years old, both male and residents of Palumbi, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Based on the report, the duo was heading from Palumbi to Barangay Tugal, Sultan sa Barongis onboard a Suzuki motorcycle. Government forces recovered one 12-gauge pistol and two shotgun ammunition from Kabuwat’s possession.

The apprehended personalities and recovered firearm and ammunition were turned over to Sultan sa Barongis MPS for further investigation and proper disposition.

Also, at 8:40 a.m. Thursday (March 23), troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and the 33rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, while operating in Barangay Dalgan, Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, recovered four improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The EOD team recovered the IEDs for further examination and proper disposition.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, said that the military units under his command intensify the implementation of campaigns to ensure mission accomplishment.

Meanwhile, an armed confrontation transpired between the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion and ten armed members of the weakened Guerilla Front Sendong in Barangay Siloy, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

The firefight lasted for 30 minutes, after which the enemies withdrew. No one was hurt on the government side, while the casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined.

While scouring the clash site, troops sighted numerous bloodstains and recovered one AK47, ten magazines for AK47, three bandoliers, medical supplies, and enemy personal belongings.

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete urged the remaining members of the communist terrorist group in Misamis to end their armed struggle. “They do not have the capability to win over the government forces anymore so it is better for them to just throw their white flags and join us in the journey toward lasting peace and progress.”

#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeOfNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.519540857047466/519540700380815/

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESTMINCOM: Military forces seize more war materials during clearing ops in Sarangani

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 26, 2023): Military forces seize more war materials during clearing ops in Sarangani

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 24, 2023

Soldiers recovered more war materials following an encounter between the government forces and the communist terrorist group at Sitio Kapanal, Barangay Gasi, Kiamba, Sarangani Province, on March 17, 2023.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said that on March 19, while the 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) troopers were conducting combat clearing operations near the encounter site, they discovered new traces believed to be the enemy withdrawal route. Troops immediately scoured the area and recovered one AK47 with four magazines and 60 rounds of AK47 ammunition.

It can be recalled that the soldiers from the 38IB were conducting a focused military operation when they encountered the CTG members believed to be under a.k.a. Rafa/Ruby of the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR). Firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, after which the enemies withdrew, bringing their casualties with them. The exchange of fires resulted in the wounding of one army officer and the recovery of enemy personal belongings and war materials, including two M16A1 rifles and one M14 rifle.

Troops continue to conduct pursuit operations.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended the troops for this accomplishment. “We will remain steadfast in conducting focused military operations to ensure that those CTG remnants and other terrorist groups who refuse to return to the folds of the law will never have a chance to execute their terror ploys."

#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeOfNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.519542747047277/519542677047284/

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist killed, another apprehended in MisOcc clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 27, 2023): Communist terrorist killed, another apprehended in MisOcc clash

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 27, 2023

Troops under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan encountered an estimated ten communist terrorists at Sitio Kandusan, Barangay Siloy, Calamba town on March 26, 2023.

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, said soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight against the communist terrorist group members of the weakened Guerilla Front Sendong at 4:41 p.m. Sunday.

Upon clearing the clash site, soldiers recovered the dead body of a slain enemy, identified as Jony Del Pilar Sayas, a.k.a. El-El/Lingling. Operating troops also apprehended one wounded member of the CTG, identified as Joel Tomas, a.k.a. Jef Jef.

The encounter also resulted in the wounding of one soldier and the recovery of one M16 rifle and one bandolier with three short magazines loaded with service ammunition, and two backpacks.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, said the wounded soldier and CTG member are both in stable condition. The three-star general once again urged the remnants of the CTG to end their armed struggle peacefully. “We are for peace, and we want peaceful resolutions of conflicts.

Nevertheless, we will continue to intensify our efforts to win over the threats that hinder peace and progress in the communities.”

SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeOfNationApproach