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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Abu bomber nabbed in Basilan

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 1, 2017) - An Abu Sayyaf member was arrested in a joint operation of the military and police in Basilan on Tuesday (Nov. 28), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Rahim Abdul, a.k.a. Aman Kabalu, was arrested in a law enforcement operation launched by the Joint Task Force Basilan and the police at Zone 1, Barangay Kampurnah, Isabela City, Basilan at around 3:40pm on Tuesday (November 28).

Cpt Petinglay said that a fragmentation grenade was further seized by government forces from Abdul.

"Abdul was positively identified by a civilian, leading to his arrest without his resistance," said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

The subject was immediately brought to the Basilan Provincial Police Office for proper disposition and legal procedures. Abdul is listed under the DND/DILG Joint Order of Rewards with a reward of P1.3 million.

"My commendations to the Joint Task Force Basilan for the successful operation which led to the arrest of a notorious bomber," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Rest assured that our Joint Task Forces will continue to keep guard as they sustain the conduct of combat and intelligence operations in their joint area of operations in order to ensure peace and security in respective areas,” he added.



Friday, November 24, 2017

High-powered firearm, explosives recovered from Lanao Lake


By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 24, 2017) - Combat divers of the naval special operations group and the Special Forces elite unit while conducting search and recovery operation in Lake Lanao, Barangay Marinaut, Marawi City, recovered a high powered firearm and Rocket Propelled Grenades Thursday morning (November 23), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that seized were an M60 machine gun, two Rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, thirteen high explosive RPG rounds, and eighteen rifle grenades.

“It has been 37 days since the liberation of Marawi, but our troops still recover armaments from the Main Battle Area which are believed to be from the members of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group,” said Brigadier General Murillo, Commander of the JTF Ranao.

“Search and recovery operations will continue until we are certain that Marawi is totally cleared,” BGen Murillo added.

Cpt Petinglay said that following the declaration of Marawi City from terrorist elements by the end of October 2017, reconstituted JTF RANAO sustained the clearing and mopping-up operations in the former Main Battle Area. Since then, scores of high powered firearms and Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered from the area including from Lake Lanao area.

Last November 12, 30 assorted high powered firearms were also recovered by the combat divers from the lake, she added.

Earlier this week, soldiers were able to retrieve one cal .30 machine gun, one M16 rifle, one sniper rifle and one colt M4 rifle.

“I would like to commend our soldiers in Marawi for their unfaltering effort to ensure that every single war materiel is recovered even in the murky waters of the lake,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“This mission is never easy especially that there is a possibility for these munitions to explode in the process. I am however confident that our combat divers are seasoned and well-experience for this task,” the WestMinCom Chief added.

“My congratulations to our very dedicated troops under Joint Task Force Ranao."
       


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Five (5) rescued kidnap victims handed over to the Local Government of Pagadian


By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 23, 2017) - Commander, Western Mindanao Command Lt. Gen. Carlito G Galvez AFP with the Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP presented the five rescued Filipino kidnap victims of the  Abu Sayyaf Group to the media during a press conference on Monday (Nov. 20) morning at HNFWM VIP Lounge, Calarian, Zamboanga City, military official said.

Present during the Press Conference were representatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Group Region IX (AKG-R9), the families of the rescued kidnap victims and other WMC and NFWM officials.

The five were rescued last Friday afternoon, Nov. 17, 2017 at the vicinity Northeast off Sugbay Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi. The successful rescue from their captors was due to the intensive search and rescue operations and continuous conduct of Focused Military Operation (FMO) by military troops of Western Mindanao in the area.

Commander, NFWM Rear Adm. Medina said that "the timing was critical since the captors may shoot the victims if they knew about the plan. We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue."

Lt. Gen. Galvez commended the efforts made by the NavForWeM troops and the Joint Task Force TawiTawi under Brig. Gen. Parcon AFP for the successful rescue operation.

After the said press conference, the rescued fishermen were brought to Pagadian City for the handover to the local government.



Upon arrival in Pagadian City, the victims were received by the City Mayor, Hon. Romeo P Pulmones and other local government officials at 5 o'clock in the afternoon at the City Mayor's Office. The local government sent the fishermen to the DSWD to undergo debriefing and stress management process prior their return to their families.

The City Mayor, Hon. Pulmones and other LGU officials were very thankful for the rescue of their constituents after more than a month of abduction and distress from the hands of ASG/KFRG.

Just recently (Nov. 11), same operating elements of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi rescued four Vietnamese crew members of MV Giang Hai 5. They were held captive by the ASG for nine months and were rescued in the area of Kang Tipayan, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi. On Monday [Nov. 13], the rescued Vietnamese were reunited in Vietnam with their respective families.

The continuous conduct of Focused Military Operations in the areas of Western Mindanao led to the rescue of Filipino and foreign nationals held captive by the ASG/KFRG and other unidentified armed groups during the past months.

The Navy and the Armed Forces in Western Mindanao assure the public of the continuous and relentless conduct of in-depth patrol and operations in pursuit of lasting peace and security in the region.

Philippine Navy apprehends one notorious killer and 5 armed men in Sulu waters

  
By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 23, 2017) – The Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao apprehended six armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group/ Kidnap for Ransom Group (ASG/KFRG) in the vicinity off Bolod Island, Tonquil, Sulu on Monday, 8:32pm (Nov. 20), military official said.

Information officer Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) disclosed that a Special CAFGU Active Auxilliary (SCAA) member of NFWM reported that the FB Nancy 888, a commercial fishing vessel under Nancy Fishing Company was being harassed and chased by an unidentified armed group in the evening of Nov. 19. Allegedly, the said armed group were onboard two motorized pump boats steaming at the vicinity 22 nautical miles Northeast off Saluping Island in Basilan also known as Sibarot fishing grounds located between the island province of Sulu and Basilan.

Subsequently, the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao made necessary actions to address the said maritime concern.  CNFWM immediately responded by activating NTG 61.1, the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of Naval Task Force 61. Upon its activation BRP Manuel Gomez (PC 388) and one Navy Seal team was immediately deployed in the area to conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) against a hostile contact.

Through the immediate reaction of NTG 61.1 and SCAA, the said armed group was apprehended and subsequently transported to Headquarters NFWM at Zamboanga City for proper disposition.




RADM Medina said that the six (6) armed men apprehended were later identified as Omar Amping, 39; Gabby S Juwa, 35; Jadi Luhadi, 21; Alcimel Abdulla, 18; Madi Jalilul, 19 and Sakkam Dekani, 60. Also, one M16A1 rifle with three long and one short magazine consisting of 110 live ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

Upon arrival to HNFWM the group was given medical check-ups at a military hospital and underwent interrogation by a combined police and military team. Further investigation revealed that Omar Amping is a notorious killer (gun-for-hire) and ranked number Four in the “Most Wanted List of Personalities” in Zamboanga City with two standing warrant of arrest for five counts of Murder.

Further, these arrested men were later turned over to Zamboanga City Police Office for custody and filling of appropriate charges.

The apprehension of this notorious killer, Omar Amping and five others was due to the cooperation with our stakeholders and commitment of the Philippine Navy particularly the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in maintaining maritime security in the Western Mindanao area. Rest assured that your Navy will continue to conduct maritime patrols in its area of responsibility to further prevent and put an end to piracy and terrorism related acts brought about by these lawless terrorists groups in the country.



Monday, November 20, 2017

NPA top leaders arrested in Pagadian City



By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboangadel Sur (November 21, 2017) -  The joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police authorities arrested two (2) NPA top leaders last Saturday (November 18) in Pagadian City, military official said.

Information officer BGEN ROSELLER G. MURILLO AFP, Commander, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, PA, disclosed that the joint law enforcement operation was conducted at Brgy Balangasan, Pagadian City by virtue of Search Warrants with use of unlicensed firearms and illegal possession of explosives issued at Branch 18, RTC 9 and Warrant of Arrests under criminal case number 1936-M(201) for complex crime of direct assault with murder and robbery with no bail bond.

BGEN. MURILLO said that the suspects were identified as Rosario Delambaca Tabanao alias WENA/WENG/PASING/LOURDES/ROWENA/DORIS (Finance Officer) and Leonardo Jacotin alias JESS/MARIO/JASPER (Logistics Officer). Both suspects are operating on areas under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

The combined elements of AFP and PNP recovered one (1) piece hand grenade; one (1) caliber.45 with one (1) magazine and eight (8) rounds ammunitions;50 rounds AK47  ammunitions;  ten (10) pieces assorted IDs and 17 pieces assorted cellphones, he added.

BRIGADIER GENERAL JACINTO R BARENG AFP – Commander, 102nd Infantry  (Igsoon) Brigade, 1ID, PAstated that “the successful operation is a result of collaborative efforts of AFP and PNP units operating in Zamboangadel Sur and it was tipped-off by concerned civilians”.

BGEN BARENG AFP further said that the arrested NPAtop leaders are responsible for robbery, large-scale extortion activities,proliferation of illegal firearms and explosives, and murder cases in the area.




5 Filipino kidnap victims rescued by troops in Tawi-Tawi



By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 21, 2017) - Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi and the Naval Task Group of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command were able to rescue five Filipino kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi last Friday (November 17), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that following a thorough planning and build up, the sailors and marines were able to successfully rescue the victims at the seawaters off Sugbay Island, Languyan, Tawi Tawi Province at 1:30pm last Friday.

Cpt Petinglay said that the victims were crew men of Fishing Boat Danvil 8 who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last October 14 near the coastal area of Poblacion Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu. Rescued were Vergel Arquino, from Davao City; Jushua Ybanez; Emo Fausto; Junald Minalang; and Spriano Sordid, all four from Pagadian City.




“The successful rescue was made possible due to the loose security of the captors,” said Brigadier General CustodioParcon, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi. In his report to the Commander, Western Mindanao Command, Rear Admiral Rene Medina, the NavForWem Chief said that they found the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning that the captors were confused and on the run due to the continuing conduct of focused military operations in the area.

“The timing was critical since the captors may shoot the victims if they will know about the plan,” said RAdm Medina.

“We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue,” he added. “The victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations upon their arrival at this headquarters to ensure that any medical condition be address,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander WestMinCom. “They will soon be reunited with their families.”

“For this year alone, our units have been successful with carrying out rescue operations through special operations,” added Lt Gen Galvez Jr. “Just last week, three Vietnamese KVs were rescued from the hands of the ASG captors also thru connections and build up.”

“I commend the troops of NavForWem under Rear Admiral Medina and the marines of the Joint Task Force Tawitawi under BGen Parcon for yet another successful rescue operation,” added the WestMinCom Chief.



US Three-Star General lauds WestMinCom chief during his visit in Zamboanga City


By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 21, 2017) - In a courtesy call to Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the Commander of the WestMinCom, in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City last Sunday (November 19), Lieutenant General David H Berger USMC, the Commander of the Marine Forces in the Pacific (MARFORPAC), vowed to work with the AFP in terms of enhancing technical capability and sharing of skills through training, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that arriving at 10:30am inside Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Sunday, 3-star General Berger was accompanied by some of the top staff officers from his command. After exchanging pleasantries, LtGen Berger said the U.S. troops have heard of the accomplishments of the WestMinCom under Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr., and lauded the WestMinCom Chief for his commendable leadership as the Joint Task Forces continue to intensify the conduct of combat operations against threat groups within its joint area of operations.


He further specified the commendable successful campaign of the command against the terrorists in Marawi City. Discussed by two Generals were some successful tactics and innovations practiced and applied during the campaign in Marawi.

Further discussed were the assessment of the support extended by the U.S. troops in the command and the possible ways to broaden efforts between the WestMinCom and U.S. troops.



The MARFORPAC commander said," It is important that we work closely with your troops and augment your capability in some aspects as we have also worked with other environments threatened by terrorism all over the world."

In his response, the WestMinCom Chief said,”We always welcome all kinds of support and help extended especially in training and technical capability. As long as it is for the betterment of our soldiers and their skills, it is a welcome news.”


Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Philippine troops welcome Indonesian-Malaysian navy delegates in Tawi-Tawi



By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 15, 2017) - Troops welcomed the delegates of Malaysian and Indonesian forces to the Trilateral Cooperative Agreement during their three-day port visit in Tawi-Tawi Province, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that aboard navy frigates, delegates of the Royal Malaysian Navy, headed by Captain Zahari Bin Samsuri, and the Tentara Nacional Indonesia, headed by Colonel Nanan Isnandar, were welcomed by the men and women of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi at the Naval Station Juan Magluyan in Barangay Batu-Batu, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi at 8:43am Monday (November 13).



The said delegates subsequently rendered a courtesy call to Governor Rashidin Matba at the provincial capitol of Tawi-Tawi. Present during the call were Lieutenant Orbegoso and Mayor Rejie Sahali-Generale of Panglima Sugala.

“Indonesian and Malaysian navy forces are here as part of our Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Malaysia and Indonesia, and there will be a series of engagements during their three-day port visit to equip and acquaint our delegates,” said Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr., the JTF Tawi-Tawi commander.

The said delegates will be trekking the Bongao Peak on Tuesday (Nov. 14) where they will have a boodle fight. They are also expected to join series of goodwill games with the JTF Tawi-Tawi troops in Panampangan Island later on that day.

The port visit will end on November 15, 2017.




“This TRICA is part of our mechanisms to strengthen the maritime operations and curtail piracy and other crimes perpetrated by extremists through a limited trilateral patrol with Malaysian and Indonesian navy forces,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We gladly welcome and thank our delegates from the Malaysian and Indonesian forces,” he added.

"We will sustain our strong cooperation with our neighbors to address our security challenges in areas of common concerns. This port visit is another major milestone on our Trilateral Cooperation Agreement particularly among our navies,” added LtGen Galvez Jr.

"The consequential outcome of our cooperation will definitely curb smuggling, human trafficking, transhipment of drugs, piracy and high profile kidnapping. Surely, the commercial shipping corridors will be secured."


Monday, November 13, 2017

Fleet-Marine Troops Recognized at Western Mindanao Command


By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 14, 2017 AFP) - Fleet-Marine Troops headed by the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina AFP, were recognized and given awards by none other than the Commander of Western Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. AFP, on Monday (Nov. 13) at the Western Mindanao Command grounds, military official said.

It was a different Monday for the officers of Naval Forces Western Mindanao as they observe the Monday flag raising not in the grounds of Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, but at the WesMinCom grounds to witness at the same time the awarding of Fleet-Marine personnel who accomplished outstanding feat in their own mission areas.
 


“We would like to convey our congratulations to you and your troops for a job well done not only in Marawi but in your other areas of operation,” Lt. Gen. Galvez told the troops in formation.

“The Fleet-Marine contingent of the troops who fought in Marawi City have shown their gallantry in action. They were the first ones who cleared their sectors, including the bridges… Today, we are giving importance to them because they deserve this kind of recognition…. This is because of the sterling leadership and good management of our Commander NavForWeM.”

The General likewise spoke of the Admiral’s dedication to his duty and described how the latter would go to the farthest islands and be present in critical locations of his area of responsibility to personally oversee the welfare of his troops.

Rear Adm. Medina received a Command Plaque for his outstanding leadership and intelligence management skills as the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao that led to the interception of the plan of the Daesh-inspired terrorists to gain control of Marawi city and the neutralizations of terrorists, rescue of hostages and recovery of assorted high-powered fire arms.

The Distinguished Navy Cross Medals were also given to the Marawi troopers for acts of courage and gallantry in the face of armed enemy during the conduct of Focused Military Operations (FMO) of Government Forces against the terrorist groups. This life-risking, intelligence driven operations and valiant acts to take hold of the enemy’s stronghold distinguished this men in combat, thus earning honor not only for themselves but also for the Philippine Navy and the AFP as a whole.



Moreover, Gold Cross Medals were awarded to the officers and men of the Fleet-Marine Team for their gallantry in action during an encounter with unidentified number of local terrorist group, and their courage and determination to seize and fiercely fight against LTGs during the Marawi City Crisis.

The General likewise acknowledged the recent accomplishment of the Fleet-Marime Team in rescuing the last of Vietnamese KVs. “As a Commander, I am very happy with your performance in rescuing the last of Vietnamese kidnap victims [from the hands of their captors].” The Vietnamese nationals were rescued by the operating elements of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Joint Task Force Tawi Tawi at the vicinity off Kang Tipayan Island, Languyan, Tawi Tawi last Nov. 10, 2017.

“On behalf of Western Mindanao Command, we would like to dedicate this activity to NFWM and to all sailors and marines for a job well done,” he added as the simple but meaningful ceremony came to a close.

Giving recognition and awards to troops is one of the military customs that greatly boosts the morale of the soldiers. It is also one way to recognize their share of sacrifices for the liberation of Marawi City and for putting their lives at risk when duty calls for them to go and fight for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and for the Filipino people.


Saturday, November 4, 2017

Turn-over of Three (3) Newly-Constructed Municipal Police Stations in Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office



By Jong Cadion
         
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (November 4, 2017 AFP) - The Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA) of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9-9) PSSUPT EDWIN S DE OCAMPO led the turnover and inauguration ceremony of newly constructed building of Tigbao Municipal Police Station in Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur on Friday (November 3), official said.
        


ZCPO-PRO9 information officer PCINSP HELEN L GALVEZ disclosed that the Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) PSSUPT EDWIN S DE OCAMPO and Regional Logistics and Research Division Chief PSSUPT SOFRONIO P ECALDRE passed on the symbolic key to PSSUPT ALAN M NAZARRO, Acting Provincial Director- Zamboanga Del Sur PPO signifying the transfer of responsibility to the local police force in maintaining the upkeep of the facility.
         



PCINSP GALVEZ said that the Tigbao MPS building, which is one of the three (3) newly constructed building that was turnover by PRO9 to Zamboanga Del Sur PPO this month, was blessed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Muego. The turn-over activity were graced by HON. ANTONIO H. CERILLES, Provincial Governor of Zamboanga Del Sur Province and HON. DANILO E.  DALID, Municipal Mayor of Tigbao and other local Officials of Tigbao Municipality.
         
Earlier, PSSUPT Narciso Verdadero, Deputy Regional Director for Operation (DRDO) led turn-over ceremony of two other newly-constructed Municipal Police Stations in Zamboanga Del Sur PPO, the Kumalarang MPS and Dinas MPS, respectively, on October 28, 2017.

               
               


8 communist terrorists yield to troops in Sultan Kudarat

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 4, 2017) – Eight (8) communist terrorists surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central in Sultan Kudarat Thursday (November 2), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the said members of the Cloudphone, GF 73 under Bobby yielded to the combined forces of the 33rd Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc and the 1st Mechanized Battalion and the local government unit in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat at around 10am Thursday (November 2).

Also turned over by them were two M16 rifles, two improvised explosive devices, two magazines, and 28 live rounds of ammunition. Said surrender was facilitated by Bobby and Jimboy, former members of the communist terrorists who recently returned to the fold of the law, according to Lieutenant Colonel Cabunoc.

Cpt Petinglay said that the subjects underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the 33IB troops. From January 2017 to this date, a total of 84 communist terrorists surrendered to the WestMinCom troops. Of this number, 59 members of GF73 yielded to the troops in Sultan Kudarat, while one member of GF68 yielded to the troops in Iligan City, all under the Joint Task Force Central. Twenty-four members of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee surrendered to the troops of the JTF ZamPeLan.

“With the growing support of the Mindanaoans and the local government, more and more communist terrorists are now contemplating to surrender to the government forces because we have been steadfast in our drive to defeat the group in our joint area of operations,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “My commendations to all our troops.”


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