Military units receive award for the successful dismantling of communist terrorist’s group guerilla fronts

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Feb. 28, 2021) – The Military units deployed in western Mindanao were recognized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their exceptional deeds during the awarding ceremony held in Zamboanga del Sur on February 26, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command awarded the Campaign Streamer Award to the ground and air units of the AFP who took part in the successful dismantling of the four Guerilla Fronts of the Communist Terrorist Group.

The Campaign Streamer Award was given to the following infantry battalions: 44th, 97th, 42nd, and 53rd. Also included in the list of awardees are the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion, 1st Intelligence Service Unit, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Military Intelligence Group 10, 14th Air Intelligence Battalion, K9 Battalion, 1st Cavalry Battalion, 1st Signal Battalion of the Army Signal Regiment, 1st Forward Support Medical Company, and the Tactical Operations Group 9.

All these units are under the command of the Western Mindanao Command’s Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and 102nd Infantry Brigade.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. lauded the awardees for their relentless efforts that led to the dismantling of the guerilla fronts. He also commended the exceptional leadership of 102Bde Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas and JTF ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio.

“As you receive the Campaign Streamer Award and commemorate another milestone in your military career, I enjoin everyone to continue working as a team and nurture the gains of our campaign not only to win peace but to pave the way for new opportunities in the area,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. addressed the awardees.

“Remain steadfast and focused as we fulfill our mission of ending terrorism and insurgency and bringing about lasting peace and progress here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Tabak Officer’s Clubhouse in Kuta Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur at 6 in the evening, Friday. 

The Campaign Streamer Award is an award given by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to recognize particular major achievements or events of military units such as the dismantling of guerilla fronts and other threats in their respective area of operation. This decoration reflects campaign participation credit to and is displayed at the recipient’s flag.  (By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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PRO9 Gives Farm Tools and Seedlings to IP Farmers in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Feb. 26, 2021) – The Police Regional Office 9 has provided several farm tools and equipment’s including seedlings to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) farmers in Barangay Dilud, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur as part of the Regional Task Force-ELCAC Livelihood Project on Sustainable Organic Agricultural Program.  

PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan, Regional Director, PRO9 personally led the distribution of farm equipment and P50, 000.00 worth various seedlings to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) farmers.

Among the tools received by the farmers were 40 pieces of pales, shovels, mattocks, bolos and dippers.

The families of the farmer beneficiaries also received 50 pairs of slippers, 50 pieces of health kits including 82 comic books from the Soroptomist International Greater, Manila District headed by Mrs. Mae Ann Ylagan, the wife of the PRO9 Regional Director.

The PNP also employed the Coronavirus Awareness Response Empowerment (CARE) Infodemic Drive to the residents as part of the PNP’s effort to raise more awareness on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 especially at the barangay level.

Present during the activity were Mayor Joan Abejuela of Dumingan Municipality, Ronniel Cabilan, Executive Director of OPLAN AMUMA; Mr. Bonifacio Enlab, Barangay Chairman of Disud, Dumingag, Mrs. Mae Ann Ylagan, PCOL Redentor L Retusto, ZSPPO, Provincial Director, PLTCOL Eduard P Mallo, Acting Chief, RCADD and other members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Meanwhile, the IP farmers program beneficiaries will undergo a 3-days training for sustainable organic farming which will be adminsitered by partner agency. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from PRO9-PIO).

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20 firearms handed over to military after rido settlement in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 25, 2021) - Following a rido settlement between two warring clans in Basilan, 20 loose firearms were handed over to the Joint Task Force Basilan on February 24, 2020.

“The troops of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in coordination with Basilan Police Provincial Office, Ulama Council, Council of Elders, and the local government of Tabuan-Lasa facilitated the talks and eventual settlement of the decades-long feud between the group of Basi Aba and Uztadz Gapur of Barangay Sulloh, Tapiantana Island, and Barahim and Mirang Hassan of Barangay Tung-umos, Tapiantana Island, both of Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan Province around 3 p.m. on Wednesday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Based on the report submitted by JTF Basilan, the warring parties signed a peace covenant as a firm commitment to the settlement,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

According to 4SFBn Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Alex Ampati, both parties turned over a total of 20 loose firearms during the settlement held at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan.

“Said firearms include two 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, one 5.56mm Colt AR, fourteen Cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, one 7.62 M14, one Cal. 30 M1 Carbine, one S&W Cal. 357, and assorted magazines and ammunitions,” said Lt. Col. Ampati.

The firearms were then presented to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan later in the afternoon on the same day.

“I would like to commend our SF troopers, our partners, and stakeholders for taking the active action to end the rido in Tabuan-Lasa,” said Brig. Gen. Gobway.

The firearms are now in the custody of the 4SFBn for documentation and safekeeping.

“This gesture of the former feuding clans is very much appreciated. May they serve as a good example for others to follow so that everybody will have a chance to live in

harmony and prosperity,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“Rest assured that the WestMinCom will sustain all our efforts to resolve vertical and horizontal conflicts in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. 

Since January 1, 2021, a total of 70 loose firearms were turned over to the different Joint Task Forces under the command of the WestMinCom. Among the 70, 21 were turned over to the JTF Central, 8 to JTF ZamPeLan, 13 to JTF Tawi-Tawi, 1 to JTF Zamboanga, 5 to JTF Sulu, and 22 to JTF Basilan.  (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Phil. Army’s Commanding General visits WestMinCom AOR

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 25, 2021) - Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr., the Commanding General of the Philippine Army visited the Western Mindanao Command on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

He was welcomed with traditional military honors by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the command.

He was then received by WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. at the Bautista Lounge in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City at around 8:30 in the morning.

Accompanied by the WestMinCom Commander, Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr. also took time to visit the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu/11th Infantry Division in Jolo, Sulu

“I want to personally check on the situation and boost the morale of our soldiers on the ground,” said Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr.

He was welcomed by Maj. Gen. William Gonzales and the officers and men of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Maj. Gen. Gonzales presented the security updates and situational reports of the unit after which Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr. had his talk to the troops.

Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr. then paid a courtesy call to Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan at the Provincial Capitol in Jolo, Sulu to strengthen interagency cooperation.

Gov. Tan assured the Commanding General of his full support on the Philippine Army’s campaign to end terrorism in Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr. also dropped round and checked on the status of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade and graced the inauguration of the new building inside the brigade headquarters in Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu after which he also had his talk to the troops.

During his talks, Lt. Gen. Faustino lauded the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for a job well done. He also stressed that community support is vital to the success of the military’s operations.

He addressed the soldiers by saying, “Be the best that you can be as we soldier on with duties, responsibilities, and an unfailing dedication to the constitution, the noble profession of arms, the nation can count on the Philippine Army”.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. and Lt. Gen. Faustino, Jr. are “Mistah”. They are both members of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. (By JONG CADION with reports  and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Malaysian General bids farewell to WestMinCom troops

 PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 23, 2021) - Maj. Gen. Dato Hadji Muhammad Anwar Bin Abdullah, the outgoing Head of Mission of the International Monitoring Team-15 paid an exit call to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. on Tuesday morning, February 23, 2021, WestMinCom-PIO LTC Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos disclosed.

LTC Delos Santos said that Maj. Gen. Anwar was welcomed by Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, the Deputy Commander for Operations of the Western Mindanao Command. He was then received by Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. and the Command Staff at the Bautista Lounge in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City at 9 a.m., Tuesday.

During their conversation, Maj. Gen. Anwar expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. for making his stay in the Philippines worthwhile.

“With the support of the WestMinCom under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Vinluan, my mission here was a success. I hope that you also give your full support to the next Head of Mission who will be named anytime soon,” said Maj. Gen. Anwar.

The International Monitoring Team-15 continues to take part in the peace implementation in Mindanao. The team is composed of more or less 60 members coming from Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. They are responsible for monitoring the security, humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects, socio-economic assistance, and civilian protection in the Mindanao region, WestMinCom-PIO said.

Delos Santos added that in recognition of their meritorious achievement in the field of civic action and direct support to military operations, the officers and members of the IMT were conferred with Military Civic Action Medal pinned by no less than the WestMinCom Commander.

Among the awardees were Maj. Gen. Dato Hj. Muhammad Anwar Bin Abdullah, Brig. Gen. Khalil Bin Mohd Ali, Capt. Hazrine Bin Mohd. Taib, Capt. Rozaini Bin Abu Hassan, Col. Mohd Khair Bin Shaari, Col. Asri Bin Shukor, Lt. Col. Hasmin Hadjimuddin, Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, Lt. Col. Khairul Anuar Bin Ibrahim, Supt. Mohd Hafiz Jehangir Shah Bin Mohd Afzal, DSP Muhammad Rafie Bin Ramli, Maj. Alif Aiman Bin Mohamed, Lt. Cdr. Azizul Bin Ab Malek, Maj. (Dr.) Syed Fareez Bin Syed Nasir, Lt. MD Adib Shauqi Bin Hj Marzuki, Cpt. Mohd Noor Faiz Bin Awang Omar, TSg Joel Cortez, SSg ABD Rizam Bin Senin, SSg Adilla Garingan, SSg Saraja Jalali, SSg Isdong Sapie, SSg Kaidar Dugasan, Sgt Nasser Mammah, Mr. Johan Ikram Bin Ahmad Rusli, and Ms. Emily Patterson.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. thanked Maj. Gen. Anwar for his exceptional service rendered as the Head of Mission of the IMT-15.

“It is now time for you to go back and continue your sworn duty to your beloved country and we hope to be working with you again in the near future,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

He also urged the IMT to sustain its initiatives in strengthening the cooperation between the MILF-GPH, LGUs, and AHJAG.

Meanwhile, a company-sized military honors was tendered to Maj. Gen. Anwar during his departure from the Command.

Maj. Gen. Anwar is an officer of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces who was commissioned into the Royal Ranger Regiment on June 8, 1983. He has held different command and staff positions such as the Assistant Defence Attache at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington DC, USA, and ADC to Force Commander of Unified Nation Operations in Somalia. (By JONG CADION wth reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Demoralized communist terrorists yield in Zamboanga del Sur

 PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 23, 2021) - Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the communist terrorist groups in western and central Mindanao are now demoralized.

This came after two more regular CTG members yield to the government forces in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday morning, February 22, 2021.

A.k.a. Jobel, 33 years old, resident of Barangay Mahayahay, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, and a member of the HQ-Kalaw, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC); and a.k.a. LG/Zoren, 24 years old, resident of Barangay Saad, the same municipality, and a member of GF BBC, WMRPC surrendered to the joint elements of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Dumingag Municipal Police Station, and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict at around 9 a.m., the same day.

53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera said the successful surrender of the two was made possible through the efforts of Dumingag Mayor Joan Abejuela and the Patrol Base Commander of Barangay Saad.

“We intensified our offensives to press the group on thereby demoralizing the militants even more leaving them with no other choice but to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“Moreover, we continue to employ our peaceful mechanisms to convince the remaining militants to choose the path of peace,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

The duo is currently undergoing custodial debriefing prior to their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program of the government.

“The manpower and capability of the communist terrorist groups in our area of operation are continuously dwindling as some of their members were killed or apprehended while most of them decided to surrender and avail of the reintegration program of the government,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We urge them to heed our call, surrender, and live peacefully together with their families,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.  

Last year, a total of 202 communist terrorist group members and supporters were neutralized and 167 firearms were recovered.

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Enlightened sayyaf yields in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 23, 2021) - A lie-low Abu Sayyaf Group courier finally decided to lay down his arm on Monday morning in Maluso, Basilan, the WestMinCom Commander said.

“Jay-ar Amorin, a.k.a. Abuh Solaiman, 31 years old, a resident of Barangay Langaray, Sumisip, Basilan, and a follower of ASG sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul surrendered to the troops of the 14th Special Forces Company in Barangay Townsite, Maluso at 10 a.m., February 22, 2021,” Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, J. disclosed.

Amorin handed over his M16 rifle with a short magazine and four ammunition.

He was subsequently presented to Lt. Col. Alex Ampati, Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan.

“We hope that those who are still hiding will make up their mind and come out. We urge them to do so because we truly want lasting peace to emerge here in the beautiful province of Basilan,” said Lt. Col Ampati. 

Amorin then underwent custodial debriefing at the said uni

“We are greatly honored to serve the people of Basilan in the time where peace reigns over conflicts. Rest assured that we will continue to exert more effort to sustain the peace and make it last,” said Col. Domingo Gobway, Commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

Since January 1, 2021, a total of 29 Abu Sayyaf Group members were neutralized in the WestMinCom area of operation, 2 of which were killed and 27 surrendered.

“This is, by far, a laudable accomplishment having so many surrendered ASG members in just two months,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We are happy that our brothers who once lost their paths are finally getting back on the right track. Rest assured that we will assist them in their reintegration into the mainstream society,” the Commander added. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Gov’t forces apprehend potential suicide bombers in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 23, 2021) - Nine potential suicide bombers were apprehended in the simultaneous joint law enforcement operations launched by the government forces in Sulu recently.

“Our troops together with our partners from the PNP and Intelligence Units conducted a simultaneous implementation of Search Warrants in Jolo, Indanan, and Patikul, all of Sulu at early dawn on Friday,” Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. disclosed.

“This led to the apprehension of nine female potential suicide bombers who are related to some of the notorious leaders and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” the Commander added.

Among the nine, five were arrested in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu and they were identified as Elena Tasum Sawadjaan-Abun @Iling, a.k.a Elena Tasum, the 40-year-old daughter of the late Abu Sayyaf Group leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and the widow of sub-leader Walid Abun; Linda Darun Maruji, a.k.a. Appuh Yayang, the 66-year-old sister of Hajan Sawadjaan; Firdauzia Said, a.k.a. Firdausia Salvin, widow of sub-leader Mannul Said; Risa Jalil, wife of ASG member Nasser Sawadjaan Hadjail, a.k.a. Labah, nephew of Hajan Sawadjaan; Sharifa Rajani, a.k.a. Indah Wida/Widz, wife of ASG member Mukti, a.k.a. Mufti, under the late Hajan Sawadjaan

Seized from their possession were Improvised Explosive Device components including one energizer 9V battery with battery snap, one non-electric blasting cap, a backpack, suspected Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), suspected detonating cord, 2.5 inches G.I. pipe, 184 pieces 1-inch concrete nails, and two android phones.

Additionally, another team arrested two targets in Zone 3, Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu. They were identified as Nudzha Ismani Aslun, a.k.a. Nudz/Akih, the 26-year-old widow of ASG member Jabar, a.k.a. Javz, one of the followers of sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan; and Nurshahada Isnain, a.k.a. Dah, the 19-year-old wife of ASG member a.k.a. Akram, one of the trusted followers of sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan.

Recovered from their possession were one push button switch, one Eveready 9V battery with battery snap, one non-electric blasting cap, one backpack, suspected ANFO, suspected detonating cord, 2.5 inches G.I. pipe, 340 pieces 1-inch concrete nails, one hand grenade MK2 High Explosive, one booklet entitled “Jihad Fil Sabilillaah”, several identification cards, and a rough sketch of their terror plan.

A Search Warrant was also conducted in Indanan Sulu but the targets eluded arrest.

Further, the fourth target area was still in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul where the operating troops were able to capture two daughters of the late Hajan Sawadjaan, they were identified as Isara Jalmaani Abduhajan, 36 years old, and Jedah Abduhajan-Amin, 28 years old.

Seized from their possession were IED components including one push button switch, one energizer 9V battery with battery snap, one non-electric blasting cap, a backpack, suspected ANFO, suspected detonating cord, 2.5 inches G.I. pipe, and 265 pieces 1-inch concrete nails.

The nine suspects were all arrested for violation of Republic Act 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives.

Col. Bejamin Batara, Jr., Commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade commended the operating troops for the successful operations.

“This manifests our strengthened collaboration between the AFP and PNP and other stakeholders here in Sulu. We are better and stronger together. Rest assured that we will continue to enhance our interagency collaboration not only for ourselves but most especially for our Tausug brothers and sisters,” said Col Batara, Jr.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu lauded the troops for neutralizing the nine potential suicide bombers that are planning to conduct inhumane acts of terrorism in Sulu and possibly in the neighboring provinces as well.

“May this serve as a clear message to the supporters and remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group. We are always ready to welcome those who wish to return to the folds of the law but if you will refuse to do so, we will surely hunt you down and prevent you from inflicting havoc in the communities,” Maj. Gen. Gonzales stated.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said this accomplishment is attributable to the persistence and hard work of the intelligence units working silently but intensely for successful operational activities to be attained.

“I wish to congratulate the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu, the different PNP units, and our intelligence operatives for this remarkable success,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. 

The apprehended personalities and confiscated items were turned over to the PNP for documentation and subsequent filing of criminal charges while the suspected ANFO and detonating cords were brought to the Crime Laboratory for examination and confirmation. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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PRO9 Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations Net 58 Suspects

 

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 22, 2021)– Police operatives have arrested 58 persons, mostly newly identified illegal-drug suspects and most wanted persons during the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) carried out by operating units of the Police Regional Office 9 in the region on February 21, 2021.

PRO9 Regional Director PBGEN Ronaldo Genaro E Ylagan said the successful operations was resulted in the confiscation of 195 sachets of shabu amounting to ₱475,436.00, 9 sachets of Marijuana leaves, 12 short firearms, 4 high-powered firearms and 1 hand grenade including 40 turnover firearms through Oplan Katok.

Aside from 19 wanted persons with outstanding warrants of arrest, the police operatives also arrested 3 for illegal gambling; 23 in anti-illegal drugs operations and 13 arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

PBGEN Ylagan added that the operations involved illegal-drugs; service of the search warrant and warrant of arrest; manhunt; illegal gambling raids and loose firearms.

The Regional Director commended the operating units of PRO9 for relentless effort in conducting the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation in adherence to the guidance of the Chief PNP against illegal drugs, street crime, wanted persons and illegal gambling. He assured the public that the police force will sustain its continuous operations all over the region to ensure the peace and order situation in Zamboanga Peninsula. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from  PRO9-PIO)

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Communist terrorist killed, high-powered firearms seized in Lanao del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 22, 2021) - Following an armed confrontation with elements of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, the Communist Terrorist Group suffered the loss of a member and several war materials including four high-powered firearms on Saturday afternoon (February 20, 2021).

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said the operating troops of the 5th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan were conducting combat clearing operations when they encountered an undetermined number of communist terrorists in Barangay Ragayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur at around 4:30 p.m., the same day.

Said exchange of gunfire lasted shortly, after which the militants withdrew.

“Our troops scoured the encounter site and recovered one enemy cadaver; four high-powered firearms consisting of two M16 rifles and two M79 Grenade Launchers; one low-powered firearm; and several other war materials including one hand grenade, one bandoleer, ten magazines with ammunition, 22 rounds of ammunition for M203; and five combat packs with personal belongings,” said Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, Commanding Officer of the 5IB.

Lt. Col. Rabara further stated that the soldiers also saw bloodstains in the area and on the enemy withdrawal route which show the numerous casualties incurred by the group.

“I would like to congratulate the troops of the 5th Infantry Battalion for this laudable accomplishment,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

As of this report, pursuit and blockade are being conducted by the troops to thwart the extrication of the terrorists.

"The Joint Task Force ZamPeLan will continue to conduct focused military operations, maximize intelligence monitoring, and intensify our whole-of-nation approach to convince those who are still confused to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, with the assistance of our partners, the local government, and the civilians in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces," said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, the Western Mindanao Command through all of its joint task forces will exhaust all means to disallow the remaining terrorists to thrive in the communities and continue doing their horrendous activities.

“We urge all peace-loving citizens to be one with us in this fight for as long as we are together, we will surely win over the threat groups that hinder the peace and progress in the communities,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The identity of the slain terrorist is yet to be verified.

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Health workers first to get Covid-19 vaccine in BARMM says MOH

 Deputy Health Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas.

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 19, 2021) – Healthcare personnel are the first to receive doses of Covid-19 vaccines once the vaccination rollout starts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by end of March or first week of April this year.

This was according to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas who presented BARMM’s deployment and vaccination plan to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament on Thursday, Feb. 18.

In the plan, Abas said there are three priority eligible groups for the vaccine’s distribution and deployment.

Group A include all frontline health workers from public and private health facilities such as hospitals or temporary treatment and monitoring facilities; health workers from Rural Health Units, City and Municipal Health Offices, Centers for Health Development, and Ministry of Health; barangay health workers including the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs); and frontline workers from the ministries of social services, education, and local government.

Also included in the first group are frontline workers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Corrections, as well as indigent senior citizens, remaining senior citizens, remaining indigent population, and uniformed personnel from the police, army, coast guard, and fire service.

Meanwhile, group B consists of teachers, social workers, other BARMM government workers, other essential workers outside health, education, social welfare sectors (e.g. agriculture, food, industry, transportation, tourism, manufacturing, construction, among others), socio-demographic groups at significantly higher risk (PWDs, Bangsamoro living in high-density areas), overseas Filipino workers, and other remaining workforce.

All remaining Bangsamoro population not included above shall be in the last group.

Abas said the priority groups were based on the framework of the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and that the primary goal is the direct reduction of morbidity and mortality, and the maintenance of most critical essential services.

The deputy minister also announced that the BARMM will be receiving the AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Sinovac vaccines from the national government.

“We specifically didn’t request for the Pfizer because it will require -70°C cold storage facility and at the moment we don’t have a warehouse storage with that capacity,” Abas said, adding that MOH can only provide the 2°C to 8°C storage required for the three mentioned vaccines.

He also said the MOH is in the process of procuring vaccines, with the P500-million initial allotment of the Bangsamoro Government, to supplement those to be given by the central government in order to ensure that every Bangsamoro will be immunized against the virus.

The MOH has so far identified seven (7) fixed-posts across the region where vaccination will take place– this include Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Lanao del Sur, Sulu Provincial Hospital, Datu Halun Sakilan Hospital in Tawi-Tawi, Lamitan District Hospital in Basilan, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, and Police Regional Office-BARMM Regional Health Service.

The ministry is set to release campaign materials on how the public can access accurate and reliable information about the Covid-19 vaccines. (By JONG CADION with reports nad photo from Bangsamoro Information Office)

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Newly-appointed AFP Chief of Staff visits WestMinCom

 PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 19, 2021) – Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the former Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and the current Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines visited the Western Mindanao Command on Friday morning, February 19, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Sobejana was welcomed by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the Command at the Parade Ground in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City at around 9:30 in the morning.

He then had his talk to the troops where he expressed his happiness to be with the WestMinCom family once more.

He then recalled all the memories he had during his assignment in the WestMinCom area of operations even when he was still a junior officer.

“I have officers, soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and civilian human resources who are very committed and very passionate in doing their job. For that, I thank you all for your unwavering service for our country,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

Lt. Gen. Sobejana also stressed that the best fulfillment is Public Service. It is something that money cannot buy.

“I hope that the sense of fulfillment will motivate us to do more for the people.”

He further stated that the best solution to the existing security concerns is to provide opportunities such as livelihood and education to the underprivileged.

“We should be able to empower everyone so that they will take part in our peace and security efforts. It is just a matter of understanding our job and our role as members of the AFP so that we can offer better service to our fellow Filipinos,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Lt. Gen. Sobejana continued by expressing his gratitude to the WestMinCom family. “I attribute my new post to your support and cooperation when I was here.”                                                          

“As I end, let me impress everyone that our rank and position are just incidentals of public service. Thus, as we continue doing our jobs as public servants, our feet with our boots on should remain on the ground. We are public servants so we must serve with dignity”.

Following the talk to troops, Lt. Gen. Sobejana presided the Command Conference held at the Conference Room of the Command.

During his arrival, Lt. Gen. Sobejana was received by WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. and other senior officers of the subordinate units.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. assured the newly-installed AFP Chief of Staff of his full support in accomplishing the mission of the organization. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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