Fleet-Marine Warriors of Marawi receive awards

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 26, 2017) – Fleet-Marine warriors of the Philippine Navy received awards from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Wednesday (Oct. 25) aboard BRP Tarlac (LD 601) and NTG Marawi Command Post, military official said.

The Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Rene V Medina AFP and the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, Col. Hernanie S Songano PN (M) along with NFWM Staff and the Commander,1st Marine Brigade and Joint Task Group Tiger,  Brig. Gen. Melquiades V Ordiales Jr AFP handed the awards in a simple ceremony aboard BRP Tarlac (LD 601) and NTG Marawi Command Post.

RADM Medina said that the medals were given to the deserving Marawi troopers who fought a violent and intense battle for five months against the Abu Sayyaf and ISIS inspired-Maute group. The awardees were members of the Forward Support Medical Team Task Force Tiger; 12th Motor Transport Company, Combat Service Support Task Group 6; the 61st Marine Company, 62nd Marine Company, 63rd Marine Company, 64th Marine Company, 65th Marine Company of the Marine Special Operations Group; 6th Marine Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team-6; 16th Marine Company, Field artillery Battalion; 73rd Marine Company, Assault Armor Battalion of Combat Service and Support Brigade; 57th Marine Company, MBLT 7 of 1st Marine Brigade; Headquarters and Service Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 and Naval Special Operations Group.

Moreso, the Civil Military Operations Unit- Western Mindanao was awarded for the conduct of numerous humanitarian assistance and relief operations during the height of Marawi crisis. Also, the 1st Marine Brigade Command Group Alpha were given awards for the Civil Military Operations, logistical and operational assistance they have provided to the troops in Marawi.

The awarding ceremony was followed by a Boodle fight with the CNFWM and members of the Fleet-Marine Team. This traditional Boodle fight strengthened the bonds of trust and solidarity between the Commander and his troops and one way to celebrate the liberation of Marawi City.

Marawi has been declared liberated from Maute terrorists group last Oct. 17, 2017 by Pres. Duterte after the death of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute Group leader, Omar Maute.

Indeed, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has given its full effort and fought a good fight to free the City of Marawi from the Maute-ISIS inspired terrorist group, RADM Medina added.

        

Soldiers, cops awarded in Marawi City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 24, 2017) - Soldiers and policemen, who were on the front line during the five-month offensives against Daesh-inspired fighters in Marawi City, were awarded by the WestMinCom commander as fighting comes to an end, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay

Disclosed that last October 21, 18 personnel of the 2nd and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalions and the Joint Task Group Bakal were accorded the Gold Cross Medal by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. The said soldiers were recognized for their conspicuous gallantry in action, courage, dedication, and commitment during the conduct of the close-quarter battle with more or less 1,000 members of the Maute-Abu Sayyaf Group- Islamic State of Iraq and Syria for almost five months in Marawi City.

Cpt Petinglay said that on Sunday (October 22), five soldiers of the 10th Infantry Battalion and the Joint Task Group Vector were awarded the Gold Cross Medals. The same award was also given to Police Senior Inspector Seth Mark Alob and Police Officer 3 Isah Sangcad of the PNP.

Police Superintendent Rolando Anduyan and Police Superintendent Danilo Bacas received the Silver Cross Medal from Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. for imminently meritorious and valuable achievement rendered while serving as Joint Task Group PNP Commander and Asst Commander, who led the numerous accomplishments of the PNP during the Marawi Crisis.

The Command Plaque was awarded to Brigadier General Vinluan, Commander of the Joint Task Force Vector; Police Senior Superintendent Anduyan, commander of the Joint Task Group, and Brigadier General Budiongan, commander of the JTG Bakal, and other battalion commanders for their sterling leadership while leading their troops during the battle.

The five-month stand-off yielded to the neutralization of 920 terrorists, rescue of 1,780 hostages, and recovery of more than 800 high-powered firearms and almost 2,000 unexploded ordnances, improvised explosive devices and booby traps of the terrorists, she added.

“Congratulations, Marawi troopers, for making the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Filipinos proud. Your commitment and gallantry liberated the City of Marawi and the Maranaos from terrorism,” said Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. “I thank you for your service and sacrifices. I am so proud of you all.”

The awarding ceremony was more jubilant after the WestMinCom Chief announced that the Secretary of the National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana, informed him of the FBI’s DNA test result.

“I am pleased to announce that Sec Lorenzana informed me, it is Isnilon Hapilon. We finally got him. IH is officially dead,” LtGen Galvez said.

WestMinCom sends-off 1IB troops after Marawi deployment

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 21, 2017) - The 1st Infantry Battalion was awarded by the WestMinCom chief during the send-off at 7am Friday (October 20) in Camp Ranao, Marawi City, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the Silver Cross Medal was awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tampus and three other company commanders of the 1IB. The unit was also accorded the Command plaque by Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

In his message to the troops, Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr. said: “Maintain the highest dignity of a soldier. As much as we want to have you here, we need to let you go. Our oath is to serve the people and maintain the integrity of our country.”

Cpt. Petinglay said Lieutenant Colonel Tampus also rendered a completeness report to the WestMinCom Commander and Major General Danilo Pamonag, commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi.

“I laud the men and women of the 1st Infantry Battalion for their dedicated service and for being here at the onset of the Marawi siege. My gratitude to you for a job well done,” said Major General Pamonag.

A showdown inspection was also conducted during the said ceremony.

Cpt Petinglay further said that the 1IB is set to travel back to Luzon islands for an impending unit enhancement training. The unit was among the 1st battalions to reinforce the soldiers in Marawi during the earlier stage of fighting. 1IB is responsible for the rescue of 34 hostages of the members of the Daesh inspired Maute terrorist and the recovery of assorted high powered and low powered firearms.

“Thank you for your dedicated service,” said LtGen Galvez Jr to the troops of the “Always First” Battalion while they were in formation on a drizzling morning in Marawi.

“I am so proud of you,” the WestMinCom Chief added.

WestMincom Chief visits Marine troops in the forefront

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (October 8, 2017 PNA) - Amid the continuing fight between government forces and the Daesh-inspired terror Maute Group in the main battle area, the Western Mindanao Command Chief took time to visit the marine troops in the forefront early Saturday (October 7), military official said.

Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., was received by Brigadier General Ordiales, the Brigade Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade at the brigade temporary base inside the MBA and the Commanders of the Marine Special Operations Group, the Marine Battalion Landing Teams and the Naval Task Unit at 9am Saturday (Oct 7).

In his message to the marines, LtGen Galvez reminded them to stay alert and to continue giving their best as the fighting is nearing its end.

“I would like to congratulate all of you for a job well done,” said the WestMinCom Chief. “I also would like to thank you for your sacrifices and your efforts. You have truly done well as soldiers of the Armed Forces and as members of the Philippine Marine Corps.

” The marines were responsible in retaking all three bridges that connects the eastern part of Marawi to the Western part of the City. In the almost four months of fighting, they have lost a number of soldiers especially during the retaking of the Mapandi bridge.

“You all deserve a break after this. Appropriate awards will also be accorded to all of you when this is all over. I will see to it that due recognition will be given to every single Marawi liberator,” added LtGen Galvez.

LtGen Galvez is visiting forces in the frontlines to ensure that the troop’s morale is intact and to hear out their needs and their concerns.

With the Commander WestMinCom during his visit is the newly installed Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Brigadier General Roseller G Murillo, who took the baton of leadership of the Tabak only last Friday.

4 communist terrorists surrender; 3 firearms yielded in Sultan Kudarat

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 8, 2017 PNA) - Four (4) communist terrorists laid down their arms in Sultan Kudarat on Friday (October 6), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the said communist terrorists were identified as Beboy Flang Mek, Arjohn Dang Blagan, ️Osing Samandal Kuyan, and Robert Panday Balabagan, all members of the Myphone Platoon, GF73. Also surrendered by the group were two M16 rifles and an AK47 rifle.

Cpt Petinglay said that the GF73, headed by a certain Mommy, Decay, or Wada, operates mainly in the joint area of operations of the Eastern Mindanao Command, particularly in the municipalities of Banga, Surallah, Norala, Tantangan, T’boli, Sto. Nino, and Lake Sebu, all in South Cotabato, and in Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim, all in Saranggani Province.

 "With 46 manpower and 47 firearms, the group also operates, to a lesser extent, in the jurisdiction of the Western Mindanao Command, particularly in the municipalities of Palimbang, Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Isulan, Lambayong, and Tacurong City, all in Sultan Kudarat," said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

They surrendered to the composite elements of the 57th and 33rd Infantry Battalions in Barangay Titulok, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat at around 5am on Friday (October 6), Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt Petinglay further said that the communist terrorists and the firearms were subsequently brought by the troops to the headquarters of the 57IB in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao for proper disposition.

Platoons Cherry Mobile and Myphone are operating in Palimbang, Kalamansig, Lebak, and Senator Ninoy Aquino, all in Sultan Kudarat. For this year, a total of 45 members of the GF73 already surrendered to the JTF Central and rejoined the mainstream society.

"This is part of the Coplan 'Latagaw' of the JTF Central to pressure communist terrorists operating in Central Mindanao to return to the fold of law as we sustain the momentum and gain more support from the people," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

BIFF’s explosives yielded by civilians to troops in Maguindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 8, 2017) - Two improvised explosive devices of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that were recovered by the civilians in the bandits' stronghold were surrendered to the troops in Maguindanao Friday (Oct 6), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that weighing about five kilograms, said explosives were turned over by the residents to the Loudspeaker Class 01-2017, composed of 19 students, and personnel of the Civil Military Operations Battalion under Major Macalintangui in Sitio Gadong, Barangay Pagatin 2, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao at 8am Friday (October 6).

"Troops were on community immersion and field training exercise in areas where residents are influenced by the BIFF. This prompted the residents to surrender the improvised explosives to the government forces," said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the explosives were brought to a detachment of the 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pagatin 2, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, and were subsequently turned over to the 32nd Explosive Ordnance Demolition team for proper documentation, disposition, and appropriate action.

"Intelligence operatives continue to monitor the movement of the BIFF fighters in the area," added Major General Dela Vega.

Residents said that the explosives were recovered in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, a known stronghold of the Daesh-inspired fighters.

"With our sustained efforts to defeat the BIFF, we are confident that more and more civilians will support our campaign against the terrorists in our joint area of operations. Rest assured that our forces will continue the offensives in Central Mindanao," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Congratulations to the JTF Central for a commendable job," he added.