WestMinCom chief lauds JTFs’ efforts against Abus

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 17, 2017) - The Western Mindanao Chief Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., visited his ground troops in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi on Friday (Sep. 15), military official said.

Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. was given a briefing by the Commanders of JTF Sulu and Tawi-tawi pertaining to the current thrust and accomplishments of their respective units.

During the talk to the troops he said, "the series of combat operations launched by the Joint Task Forces have degraded the capability of the Abu Sayyaf Group."

"A number of milestones has been achieved by the very competent Commanders and hardworking units under WestMinCom."

LtGen. Galvez, Jr. also lauded the commitment of the soldiers, who battled the Abu Sayyaf bandits, for what they have accomplished to secure the ZamBaSulTa areas and prevent the provinces from becoming a haven of the terrorists.

Saying that the sustained operations have successfully thwarted the plans of the Abu Sayyaf, the WestMinCom chief added, “You have gone far and have even exceeded expectations in your effort to defeat the terrorists.”

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, reported that: “We have interrelated operations that include combat, civil-military and intelligence to counter violent extremism. These are done in collaboration with the local government and the people of Sulu.”

As of the moment, there are 13 hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf in the hinterlands of Sulu.

LtGen. Galvez, Jr. also conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal to Corporal Munib Baid of the 35th Infantry Battalion. Baid is currently recuperating from wounds sustained during an armed confrontation with the Abu Sayyaf bandit in Indanan, Sulu last September 12.

During his visit to the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bungao at around 10:30am Friday (Sept. 15), Brigadier General Custodio J. Parcon, Jr., Commander of the JTF Tawi-Tawi, reported to the ComWestMinCom the continuing offensives conducted in the province. He also presented their neutralized high-value targets in the past months.

“From these accomplishments, we are planning to continue harnessing our skills through training on the detection of Improvised Explosive Devices, sniping, and counter sniping and other capabilities," he added.

“We are also working with Indonesia and Malaysia so that we can establish interoperability through the creation of the Joint Task Force IndoMalPhi which will address cross-border kidnappings and piracy.”

Parcon also led LtGen Galvez in a tour of his camp facilities showcasing the readiness and tidiness of his headquarters.

"I am happy to know that you are doing well with your respective missions," said Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

"Tuloy lang ang laban. Isipin natin na mahirap man ang ating ginagawa dito, mas mahirap ang ginagawa at ang sitwasyon ng ating mga kasamahan sa Marawi."

"Aking hinihingi na ipagdasal nating lahat ang ating mga kasamahan upang sila at gabayan sa pang araw araw."

"As your Operational Commander, i am very satisfied and happy with what you have done. Your accomplishments are all commendable. You have indeed delivered outstanding accomplishments," the WestMinCom Chief added.

Last Monday, LtGen Galvez also visited the Joint Task Force Central headquarters in Maguindanao. A briefing update was presented to him by the command during his visit. Central is also doing well in their campaign against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and some lawless groups in the area.