A total of 706 communist rebels have been neutralized by the military in Eastern Mindanao this 2022, a ranking official disclosed Saturday, Nov. 12.
Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, visited the headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) in Panacan, Davao City where he lauded the accomplishments of the command assigned to secure the Davao Region (Region 11), SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, General Santos City or Region 12), and Caraga (Region 13) from insurgents, terrorists, and other lawless elements.
In his report to the military chief, EASTMINCOM commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol said their various military operations led to the death, capture, or surrender of 706 communist rebels from the first to fourth quarter of the year under Campaign Plan “Kalinaw Sidlakang Mindanao.”
Of those neutralized, 57 were deemed “high-value” targets. The EastMinCom also seized 598 firearms and 116 anti-personnel mines during their operations.
Meanwhile, eight communist guerilla fronts and four vertical units were dismantled by EASTMINCOM in their areas of operation which resulted to 56 barangays being freed from the influence of communist groups.
Last Oct. 12, Davao Region was declared to be insurgency-free by the government.
“One thing is definite: the Eastern Mindanao Command has contributed a lot in the attainment of the mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Hindi natin maitatanggi ‘yan (We cannot deny that). This is manifested by the reduction of different power factors of the enemy,” Bacarro said during the traditional “Talk to the Troops.”
“In the soonest time possible, we will be able to declare strategic victory in some of the areas that fall within the joint operational area of the Eastern Mindanao Command,” he added.
Meanwhile, Almerol stressed that the EastMinCom is “on the right track” to achieve all their targets through their security campaign plan.
“But even as we recognize this accomplishment, we know very well that we cannot rest on our laurels for the ultimate victory is yet to be achieved,” he said, referring to the total eradication of the communist groups.