WestMinCom supports Sulu provincial government’s decision to close borders

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 PAGADIAN CITY (Dec.30,2020) - Amid the threats posed by the new strain of Coronavirus, the Western Mindanao Command deployed troops to guard the borders in the southernmost part of the Philippines.

“We are maximizing our capabilities to keep the contagion offshore,” Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. disclosed.

With the new strain of COVID-19 reportedly detected in Sabah, the provincial government of Sulu is set to implement a temporary lockdown of the province from January 4 to 17, 2021 to prevent the entry of civilians coming from Sabah and preempt the possible spread of the virus 

“The command supports the decision of the provincial government of Sulu and we already deployed additional troops to secure the border and to disallow entry of passenger vessels from Sabah,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“The navy vessels of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao will conduct patrol in the maritime borders of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the Zamboanga Peninsula to prevent the entry of inflicted individuals to our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. (By JONG CADION with WestMinCom PIO PR)

Soldiers recover NPA member cadaver, IEDs in overran CTG lairs

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PAGADIAN CITY (Dec.30,2020) – The operating troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) Central discovered another NPA lair, recovered another NPA member cadaver and two Improvised Explosive Devices amid intensified clearing operations in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat in the early morning of December 24, 2020, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. disclosed.

“While conducting a follow-up operation, our troops from the 63rd Division Reconnaissance Company discovered another NPA lair and NPA member cadaver in Barangay Namat Masla, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

"It can be recalled that in the afternoon of December 23, operating troops of JTF Central discovered a NPA lair yielded to the recovery of two cadavers (one female and one unidentified already in an advanced state of decomposition), numerous propaganda materials, and approximately 100 makeshift huts. May this be an eye-opener to all the remaining members of the NPA. May they realize that they are nothing else but just sacrificial lambs of the group,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

 

Meanwhile, troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion together with the 31st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team conducted clearing operations in Lumoton Range, tri-boundary of Barangays Datu Wasay and Sangay, both of Kalamansig; and Namat Masla of Palimbang, all of Sultan Kudarat. 

“Our operation resulted in the discovery of a NPA satellite lair and the recovery of two IEDs,” said Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, 37IB Commanding Officer.

“The EOD team facilitated the proper handling and disposal of the said IEDs,” Lt. Col. Estrera added. Troops continue to scour the area

“We will continue to conduct security operations against the weakened communist terrorist group in the area,” said Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

“Examinations will be conducted on the NPA member cadaver to possibly know their identity including the two other NPA member cadavers that our operating troops recovered on December 23, 2020” said Col. Gubat.

Further, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, JTF Central Commander also said, “With the continuous support from the communities, we will strengthen our efforts to pursue these Communist terrorists and preempt their hostile plans especially during this holiday season”.

3 Drug Suspects Yield P6.8 Million Shabu in Zamboanga Sibugay

     P6.8 Million worth of suspected shabu was seized during the anti-illegal drug buy bust operation. (Photo by PRO9 PIO)

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PAGADIAN CITY (Dec.30,2020) – A total of P6.8 Million worth of suspected shabu was seized from three big-time drug suspects during a drug buy bust operation in Barangay Lumbog, Imelda town in the neighboring province of Zamboanga Sibugay at 2:15 PM of December 27, 2020.

PRO9 Regional Director PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan identified the arrested suspects as Crimalde I Tarawi, 53 years old, married, businessman, of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi;  Albasir N Masihul, 26 years old, seaweeds farmer, of Barangay Sawa, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay and Basir B Alano, 48 years old, businessman, of Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu.

PBGEN Ylagan said the suspects were arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by combined police operatives of PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Imelda Municipal Police Station and 1st Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Seized were one sando black plastic bag containing 18 packs of suspected shabu weighing 1 kilogram with an estimated value of Php6.8 million, eco bag containing one thousand peso bill bearing serial number 2019de864449 placed on top of 20 bundles of photocopied one thousand pesos as supposed payment of two million pesos as buy-bust money and one unit Chevrolet bearing plate nos JCT 5097.

The three suspects were detained at the detention cell of Imelda Municipal Police Station. They are now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PBGEN Ylagan commended the relentless efforts of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group and other police units for the notable accomplishment in the fight against illegal drugs in the region.

He added that the operation is in adherence to the marching orders of the Chief PNP to intensify the conduct of anti-illegal drugs operation in the region.” (By JONG CADION with press release and photos from PRO9-PIO)

NGCP continues annual Christmas outreach, relief ops to provinces affected by the recent typhoons despite pandemic

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NGCP turned over gift packs with groceries and noche buena items to around 33 barangays who are part of its host communities. (Photo by NGCP PIO)

 PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 29. 2020) - Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, NGCP continued on with its annual gift-giving tradition to its partner communities through its Christmasaya project, alongside relief operations for areas affected by the recent typhoons.

Instead of the usual Christmas party with games, prizes, and entertainment, NGCP turned over Christmas packages to barangays from NGCP’s host communities, which were then distributed to the most indigent families in the area.

A total of 7,100 Christmas packages were distributed to around 33 barangays from NGCP’s host communities nationwide. The Christmas packages contain rice, noche buena items, coffee, and canned goods.

“Christmas is all about sharing. Times may have changed under the new normal, but this will not stop NGCP from giving back to its host communities. We hope this will give the most indigent families more reasons to celebrate the holidays,” said NGCP.

Besides the Christmas gift-giving, NGCP also continues with its relief assistance to provinces in the Bicol Region, Southern Tagalog, Cagayan, Isabela, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur affected by the recent typhoons Rolly, Ulysses, and Vicky.

Grocery items amounting to over PhP37 million and t-shirts were turned over to the provincial governments for distribution to communities heavily affected by the weather disturbances.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy, Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr. (By JONG CADION with NGCP PIO PR)

Despite the pandemic, the annual Christmasaya gift-giving continued with the help of partner-barangays nationwide. 

Relief operations in typhoon-stricken parts of the country due to Typhoons Rolly, Ulysses, and Vicky also continue despite the holiday season.

Essential items such as rice, canned goods, and t-shirts are part of NGCP’s relief assistance for typhoon-affected communities.

PNP Chief Sinas led the ground breaking of new DIPO-Western Mindanao hub in Pagadian City

 PNP Chief PGEN Debold M. Sinas with Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co during the cutting of ribbon of the newly renovated Headquarter of Area Police Command for Zamboanga Peninsula located in Barangay Balintawak, this City. (Photo by HJDC)

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 PAGADIAN CITY (Dec. 20, 2020) – The new headquarters of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations - Western Mindanao (DIPO-WM) will soon rise at President Corazon Aquino Regional Center located at Barangay Balintawak in Pagadian City following the ground breaking ceremony led by newly appointed PNP Chief PGEN Debold M. Sinas who arrived here Saturday morning.

The ground breaking ceremony was hosted by Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co together with the members of 13^th City Council headed by the City Vice Mayor Maffy Obaob and some City Government Officials.

It was recalled that former PNP Chief PGen Archie Gamboa express his gratitude to City Government of Pagadian for donating the site of the new headquarters of DIPO-WM.

(Photo shows from left) Pagadian City Vice Maay Obaob, Mayor Samuel S. Co, former PNP Chief PGen Archie Gamboa and pther PNP Official (Photo grabbed from PNP website)

 In a simple signing ceremony at the Office of the Chief PNP in Camp Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, the former PNP Chief PGen Gamboa together with Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co formalized the Deed of Donation last June 22, 2020.

“The PNP’s Master Development Plan enlists the help of our LGU’s in donating parcels of land that will serve as new hubs of our DIPOs across the country. Pagadian City is our pioneering partner and we are most thankful for their support,” PGEN Sinas said during the ground breaking.

Based on the City Council Resolution No. 2020-0418, the new DIPO site will be established at the President Corazon C. Aquino Regional Government Center in Brgy. Balintawak, Pagadian City.

Sinas thanked Mayor Co and members of the City Council for their commitment and overwhelming support to the PNP. In fact, Pagadian LGU unanimously approved on February 26, 2020 the said resolution for donating 29,356 sq.m of land area as exclusive site for DIPO-WM Headquarters.

PGEN Sinas disclosed that under his leadership DIPO-WM was recently rename as Area Police Command headed by 3-Star Police General with his Deputy as 2-Star General and 1 Star General, this command is similar to WestMinCom.

There are five Area Police Command in the country, two in Luzon, one in Visayas and two in Mindanao located in Davao and here in Pagadian City, Sinas added.

Sinas was assigned in this city more than four years and also more than eleven years at the Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City before his assignment in Camp Crane, Quezon City.

PNP Chief PGEN Debold M. Sinas during the interview by the members of Pagadian City Media

Meanwhile, City Mayor Co also expressed his thanks to the leadership of PNP for choosing Pagadian as the Headquarter of Area Police Command in Western Mindanao.

Recently President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Memorandum Circular (MC) 79 on June 25, lifting the moratorium on the transfer of regional government offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur following the EO No. 429 issued in 1990 signed by former President Corazon Aquino as the new administrative region in Zamboanga Peninsula, Mayor Co disclosed

The regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Tourism (DOT), will remain in Zamboanga City but should establish a presence in Pagadian City, according to MC 79.

“The transfer of these agencies, to be supervised by the NEDA RDC (Regional Development Council) IX, in coordination with the City Government of Pagadian City, must be completed within two years from the effectivity of this Circular,” the order read.

                              Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co 

Co added that PRRD thru his Department Secretaries was given timeline to all Regional Directors to transfer their Regional Offices starting next year 2021.

The City Government is now preparing land area of at least 50-Hectares ready to accommodate the Regional Offices, Co said.    

PMGen Edwin C Roque, Director, Directorate for Logistics said the proposed budget for the construction of the building for DIPO will be costing around Php104,452,200.00 under the Convergence Infrastructure Plan of Police Regional Office 9 and the Department of Public Works and Highways to be constructed in the first quarter next year 2021. (BY JONG D. CADION)

NPA member Arrested in Drug Buy Bust Operation

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 27, 2020) - – Police operatives of Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 led by PCPT Jake P Capitly together with the elements of Tigbao Municipal Police Station and Dinas Municipal Police Station conducted drug buy bust operation at Purok Magsaysay, Barangay Bigong, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur at 1:10 PM of November 26, 2020.

PBGEN Jesus D Cambay Jr., Regional Director, PRO9 identified the arrested suspect as Marlon Barol Narciso AKA “Ka Arman” (High Value Individual drug personality and active NPA member under commander Kalaw), 33 years old, male, live-in, Farmer, and a resident of Purok Malipayon, Barangay Guinlin, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Confiscated and seized during the said operation were One (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu (buy-bust), one (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu (possession), one (1) piece One Thousand Pesos Bill (Php 1,000.00) bearing serial numbers EN751252 used as buy-bust money, one (1) unit improvised revolver pistol without serial number, eight (1) rounds 9mm live ammunition, twelve (12) rounds 5.56mm live ammunition of M16 and one (1) piece black sling bag.

All seized drug items have an estimated weight of more or less one (1) gram and market value of more or less Six Thousand Eight Hundred Pesos (Php 6,800.00). The suspect is now temporarily detained at Tigbao Municipal Police Station lock-up cell for disposition.

A case for the crime in violation of Sec.5 and 11 of RA 9165 and violation of RA 10591 is now being prepared by the Investigator-on-case (By JONG CADION with PR from PIO-PRO9)

HVI Arrested, P2.8 Million Shabu Yield in Zamboanga City

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 27, 2020) – Drug Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Office arrested a High Value Individual (HVI) and seized P2.8 million worth of Shabu during the drug buy-bust operation on illegal drugs along the Junction, Talon-talon Loop, Barangay Talon-talon, Zamboanga City at 7:15 PM of November 26, 2020.

PBGEN Jesus D Cambay Jr., Regional Director, PRO9 identified the suspect as Nadzmin Misba y Oram,  27 years old, male, jobless, listed as High Vlue Individula and a resident of Asinan, Barangay Kasangyangan, Zamboanga City.

Recovered from his possession were Four (4) pack of suspected shabu with estimated DDB value of 2,800,000.00 pesos weighing more or less 200 grams and One (1) bill of 1,000.00 pesos registered marked money with Ninety-nine (99) bills of 1,000.00 boodle money.  

Confiscated items were brought to Zamboanga City Crime Lab Office for examination while subject is presently under the custody of CDEU for proper disposition.

PBGEN Cambay, Jr commended the operating team of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) under PCOL Rexmel Reyes for a job well done. He also extended monetary reward intended for the informant who provide vital information that lead to the succes of the police operation. (By JONG CADION with PR,from PIO-PRO9)

Serbisyo Caravan brings gov’t services to far-flung communities in Sulu and Basilan provinces

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PAGADIANCITY (Nov. 28, 2020) - Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. stated that villagers from the far-flung communities of Sulu and Basilan were able to avail of the different government services through the “Serbisyo Caravan” which ran from November 23-28, 2020.

“The Western Mindanao Command provided all sorts of assistance needed during the conduct of the said caravan in municipalities under our area of responsibility,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We are grateful that the national government chose the far-flung communities of Sulu and Basilan as beneficiaries for this year’s “Serbisyo Caravan”. This is will be a great advantage toward the communities’ peace, progress, and development,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Activist turned communist terrorist returns to the government

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 27, 2020) - A former Anakbayan member turned Communist Terrorist Group member surrendered in Zamboanga del Sur on November 22, 2020, the WestMinCom official disclosed.

According to Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., "A.k.a. Kins, 38, from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte submitted himself to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. He was a member of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC)."

“Through the concerted efforts of the 53rd Infantry Battalion and Tigbao Municipal Police Station, and our stakeholders, a.k.a. Kins returned to the fold of the law bringing along his M14 rifle with him,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated.

The said surrendered personality also handed over one Bandolier, fourteen magazines, 255 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one hand grenade, and his personal belongings.

On his surrender, a.k.a. Kins was welcomed by Tigbao Mayor Eleazar Carcallas.

In his message, Mayor Carcallas said, "the surrender proves that the community now cooperates to achieve the peace they are longing for.  Rest assured that the MTF-ELCAC will work hand-in-hand with other government agencies to assist the newly-surrendered rebel in terms of various programs and benefits".

CM Ebrahim files 2021 BARMM budget to plenary

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 Chief Minister Ebrahim turned over Thursday the Proposed Bangsamoro Expenditure Program 2021 to BTA Parliament Speaker Atty. Ali Pangalian Balindong.(Photo grab from BPI website)

COTABATO CITY – Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim filed Thursday the BARMM’s Php75-billion budget for fiscal year 2021 or the proposed BTA-Cabinet Bill No. 73.

Cabinet Bill No. 73 is entitled “An Act Appropriating funds for the Operation of the Bangsamoro Government from January One to December Thirty-One, Two Thousand and Twenty-One, and for Other Purposes.”

CM Ebrahim said despite the massive challenges brought by the Coronavirus Disease-19, the Bangsamoro Government’s mandate to its people remains the same. “We remain true to the cause of our people and to the oath that we took when began this journey together,” he said.

“None of which, of course, can be possible without approving a financial program that can respond to the unprecedented needs of these trying times enabling our community to bounce back better,” Ebrahim added.

“What makes this financial program distinct from last year are the inclusion of efforts towards the public health crisis and other significant initiatives that were not part of last year’s fiscal design,” he said.

According to Ebrahim, the Bangsamoro Government’s focus remains at the heart of the Bangsamoro Organic Law's priority programs in health, education, and social services. “We intend to broaden the scope of its existing programs and expand it down to the grassroots,” he said.

1 Died, 4 Wounded in Lightning incident

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 11, 2020) - Lightning incident transpired at Lower Tigbao, Barangay Licomo, Zamboanga City at about 1:00 PM of November 9, 2020.

The victim identified as Rodericko Guzman Dela Cruz, 25 years old, male, single, he was declared dead on arrival by his attending physician while his four other companions were survived.

The police identified the four wounded victims as Kimar Aidarud Dela Cruz, 26 years old, male, married, Ronnel Cuartocruz Delos Reyes, 29 years old, male, married, Jessico Atilano Dela Merced, 47 years old, male, married, all are residents of Lower Tigbao, Barangay Licomo, Zamboanga City and Leo Digario Diaz Jalao, 38 years old, male, single a resident of Sitio Sinoropan, Barangay Vitali, Zamboanga City, they were sustained burned wounds.

Initial investigation disclosed that prior to the incident, said victims were tracing at the rice field at the aforementioned place of incident when suddenly a lightning struck and hit the five (5) victims mentioned above.

Further, all victims were immediately brought to Jestoso Clinic for medical attention however, Rodericko Guzman Dela Cruz was declared dead on arrival by his attending physician while other four wounded were confined for medical treatments (By JONG CADION with PRO9PIO)

Another NPA team leader surrenders to JTF ZamPeLan

 

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PAGADIAN CITY- (Nov. 10, 2020) - A team leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan on Saturday afternoon, said WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

“The surrendered personality was identified as Mary Grace Tumapad Buhawi, a.k.a. Say2x/Princess/Maika, 25 years old, single, and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental. She was the Platoon Team Leader of Team Baking, Squad 1, Guerilla Front Sendong, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr

Lt. Gen. Vinluan further said that Buhawi surrendered to the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion at Purok 5, Barangay Katipunan, the same municipality.

During the initial interrogation, Buhawi said that the continuous combat operations forced her team to move day and night. With the difficulty in evading the government forces, she decided to submit herself to the government forces.

“We are starving because we have limited food supply and we are experiencing a lot of hardships moving from one place to another,” Buhawi said in the local language.

Meanwhile, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas said that the continuous negotiation efforts of the intelligence units contributed to the successful surrender of Buhawi.

Further, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan Commander, said that the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan through all of its subordinate units continues to welcome the former enemies of the state who signify intent to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, “We believe that it is always best that the members of the different terrorist groups are neutralized through surrender and without firing a single bullet.” (By JONG CADION with WestMinCom PIO PR)

ASG Member Killed in Law Enforcement Operation

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 9, 2020) - An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was killed in a shootout during a law enforcement operation through implementation of search warrant conducted by combined operatives of Regional Intelligence Unit 9,

PNP-Intelligence Group together with 5th Special Action Battalion –Special Action Force, Ant-Kidnapping Group, Regional Intelligence Division 9, RMFB9, National Intelligence Coordination Agency 9, CIDG9, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office –Intel Branch and Tungawan Municipal Police Station in Barangay Masao, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay at about 5:45 AM of November 7, 2020.

Police Brigadier General Jesus D Cambay Jr. identified the slain ASG member as Salip Adzhar Alijam, legal age, alias Aya and Alip Adjal Hamsa Grandad, who was killed in a shootout after he fired upon the operating troops about to serve the search warrant number 03-2020 for violation of RA 9516 and Search Warrant number 04-2020 for violation of RA 10591 issued by Presiding Judge, RTC, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 26, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The neutralized subject person is an ASG/KFRG member based in Sulu under the late ASG-Sub Leader Alhabsy Misaya. He was involved in the kidnapping of (6) Indonesian fishermen on August 3, 2016 in the sea waters of Sabah, Malaysia. He was personally identified by one of the Indonesian kidnap victim identified as Herman Bin Manggak as one of their abductors in the coordination made by the operating Units with the Indonesian Consul in Davao City.

Recovered during the operation were One (1) hand grenade; One (1) caliber .45 pistol with serial # 391787;One (1) magazine of caliber .45 pistol; Eight (8) ammunition of caliber .45; Two (2) empty shells of caliber 45; One (1) Garand rifle with serial # 2391117; Two (2) magazines loaded with (16) ammunitions of caliber .30mm.

We commend the untiring efforts of our operating troops for a job well-done. We call for unity and solidarity to fight against those who attempt to disturb the peace and tranquility of Zamboanga Peninsula”, PBGEN Cambay, Jr., said. (By JONG CADION with PRO9 PIO PR)

5 Sulu heroes recognized in Zambo City

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 PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 7, 2020) – At least five soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu were recognized and given cash assistance at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 4.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said that Corporal Jeric Gil Villaruz, Private First Class Jayson Paguirigan, Private First Class Vincent Malupa, Private First Class Dave Egipto, and Private Baser Katipon were conferred with the Wounded Personnel Medal for the wounds sustained during the bombing incident perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf Group on August 24, 2020.

“They are among those who incurred major injuries and were treated in private hospitals here in the city. We are happy that they are now in better condition,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Meanwhile, Sen. Win Gatchalian through his representatives extended financial assistance to the battle casualties 

“On behalf of all the soldiers, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Sen. Win Gatchalian and his staff,” the commander added.

Present during the ceremony were the 11th Infantry Division Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Manuel Sequitin and CNGH Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Maria Victoria Mandin.

In his mesasge, Brig. Gen. Sequitin commended the batcas for their extraordinary service rendered to the people of Sulu.

"They made the WestMinCom and the entire AFP proud," Brig. Gen. Sequitin added. (By JONG CADION with WestMinCom PIO PR)

NPA team leader yields in Misamis Occidental

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 7, 2020) - The combined efforts of the AFP and PNP led to the yielding of one NPA team leader, the WestMinCom Commander said.

Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., identified the NPA Team leader as Cirilo Biosa Sumibay, a.k.a. Kenx2/Joy, 24 years old, single, and a resident of Barangay Dawa, Josefina, Zamboanga Del Sur, he surrendered to the government forces at 10 in the morning on November 4, 2020,"

 Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. disclosed that Sumibay is the Team Leader of the Abe Squad 1, Guerilla Front Sendong of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Subject personality handed over one AK47 (CZ) assault rifle, seven long magazines, 185 live ammunitions, one bandolier, and one jungle hammock to the joint elements of the 10th Infantry Battalion, and 1st & 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies of the PNP.

During his debriefing, Sumibay expressed his disappointment with the terrorist group because of the unfulfilled promises such as the financial support.

"At first, I was afraid to come out because our officers said that the soldiers will kill us once we surrender, but then I've seen how the lives of my former comrades have changed after they laid down their arms," said Cirilo Sumibay. 

Meanwhile, at 8 in the morning of the same day, the operating troops of the 10IB and the 1st and 2nd PMFC discovered an arms cache in the boundary of Barangays Pogan and Bergado, Mutia, Misamis Occidental.

JTF ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio lauded the troops of the 10IB for this accomplishment.

"We would like to recognize the excellent interagency collaboration among the AFP, PNP, and the intelligence that led to this successful operation," Maj. Gen. Ponio added. (By JONG CADION with Tabak DPAO and WestMinCom PIO PR)

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Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader killed in Sultan Kudarat

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 5, 2020) – A Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader was neutralized by the government forces on November 4, 2020, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. disclosed.

WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said that at about 12:35 in the afternoon, the combined elements of the 7th Infantry Battalion, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, Polomolok and Esperanza Municipal Police Stations, the 43rd Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force, and the intelligence operatives conducted support to law enforcement operation (SLEO) at Migyz Inn, Purok Hiligaynon, Barangay Saliao, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat that resulted in the neutralization of Jazzer Nilong, a.k.a. Khalid DI Nilong, a Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader.

"The target sensed the presence of the government forces who were conducting surveillance operation. He immediately drew his gun and fired upon the operatives and so they were forced to retaliate,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“The exchange of fire lasted for about two minutes which resulted in the instantaneous death of Nilong,” he added.

602nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong stated that Jazzer Nilong has an existing Warrant of Arrest for the Crime of Frustrated Murder CC # 18-30874, 18-31551, 18-30870 issued by JUDGE DENNIS VELASCO, RTC Judge Branch 23, General Santos City.

“The subject was involved in the GenSan bombing and assassination of Police Cpt. Herman Gabat,” Brig. Gen. Capulong said.

Troops seize CTG’s war materials following a clash in Zambo Sur

 

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 4, 2020) - The military troops seized war materials of the Communist Terrorist Group following a gunfight in Zamboanga del Sur at 11:10 in the morning on November 1, 2020, WestMinCom official disclosed.

WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said, said that while the troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion conducting combat operations, engaged more or less 15 communist terrorist group members in the tri-boundaries of Barangays Buenasuerte and Laperian of the municipality of Tukuran, and Dipaya of Labangan.

“The group belongs to the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC),” the commander added.

The gunfight lasted for 21 minutes after which the enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

“While scouring the clash site, our troops recovered two poncho tent, one sack charcoal, empty shells of AK47 and M16, one green sweatshirt marked 8H8, and assorted foodstuff,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

“There was no casualty from our side while pursuit operation is being conducted to neutralize the fleeing enemies and determine their casualties,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

“We believe that several militants were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood especially that hot pursuit is vigorously undertaken,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio said that the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan continues to employ more pressure on the remaining members of the threat groups in Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces. (By JONG CADION with WestMinCom PIO PR)

7 abus killed, war materials recovered in Sulu

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PAGADIAN CITY (Nov. 5, 2020) – Seven members of ASG-Kidnap for Ransom Group onboard the Jungkong boat were killed during the encounter by the Philippine Navy  troops during the conduct of Combat operation at dawn of Tuesday along Sulare Island in Sulu sea water, WestMinCom Official disclosed.

Based on the report submitted by the acting commander of the 3rd Boat Attack Division to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., while conducting a search and retrieval operation at 11:40 a.m. of the same day the navy troops aboard BA491 spotted the Jungkong boat used by the ASG/KFRG members.

“The boat was cut in half with only the front portion remaining afloat while the rear must have sunk during the ramming by the navy ship-BA493,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. 

Lt. Gen. Vinluan said that the navy troops searched the remaining half of the boat and recovered the following: M4 rifles with m203, one M4A1 rifle, five backpacks with assorted items inside, two M14 long magazines, two M14 short magazines, four bandoliers, two jungle bolo, two sledgehammers, two boat paddle, two empty containers (plastic gallons), one power bank, two empty shells of m203 ammunition, and one Go Pro camera with a memory card.

Meanwhile, JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales that the deaths of the seven ASG members onboard the Jungkong boat were idintified including Madsmar Sawadjaan, the brother of notorious bomber Mundi Sawadjaan and Mannul Sawadjaan, a.k.a. Abu Amara, believed to be the successor of Hajan Sawadjaan as the emir of the group.

“Our air, naval, and ground troops are continuously conducting retrieval operation in the area,” Maj. Gen. Gonzales said.

 

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said, “We will continue to conduct military operations, maximize intelligence monitoring, and exhaust all means to preempt the terroristic activities to the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu”. (By JONG CADION with reports from WesMinCom PIO)