Home Tags Posts tagged with "4th Infantry Division’"
Tag:

4th Infantry Division’

News

4ID gaining momentum toward insurgency-free Northern Mindanao after top NPA leader killed 

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE MILITARY is rapidly gaining momentum in its campaign to secure a total peace declaration across Northern Mindanao following the neutralization of a top-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) commander and an operative in Bukidnon on Sunday, June 21.

4th Infantry Division commander Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that the successful double operations signal a decisive turning point, crippling the remaining armed remnants of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Following the recent declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) across the entire Caraga Region, Angcao stated that the 4ID is heavily focused on replicating that milestone in Northern Mindanao through relentless tactical pressure.

“This development signifies another setback for the NPA,” Angcao said. “We remain resolute in our mission to dismantle the remaining armed groups and ensure that peace and development continue to flourish in our communities. We hope to achieve the same milestone in the region through continued collaboration among our forces, local government units, stakeholders, and communities.”

The shift in momentum follows back-to-back joint-force operations in Bukidnon that neutralized Romeo Manpinsahan, alias “Kakoy,” the high-ranking commanding officer of the headquarters Force NEO under the NCMRC.

The strategic operations unfolded across two separate clash sites:

Cabanglasan: Combined troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion engaged fleeing rebels in a midnight firefight at Sitio Tagiptip, Brgy. Another, killing an NPA operative identified as Edward Pantandon, alias “Wando,” and recovering an M16 rifle.

Malaybalay City: At 11:35 a.m. the same day, pursuing forces from the 8th Infantry Battalion caught up with the same group at Sitio Nalumosan, Brgy. Silae. The second encounter resulted in the death of Commander “Kakoy” and the capture of two high-powered firearms, magazines, ammunition, and a backpack.

Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Brigade, corroborated the division’s progress, noting that the double victory clearly demonstrates the collapsing operational capability of the NCMRC under sustained military pressure.

The massive push drew extensive joint-force reinforcement, utilizing assets from the 88th and 26th Infantry Battalions, specialized Division Reconnaissance Companies, artillery fire support from the 4th and 7th Field Artillery Battalions, and dedicated regional military intelligence units.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

EastMinCom declares Caraga insurgency-free; optimistic remaining conflict zones resolved

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) aims to become insurgency-free across its entire area of responsibility, as Caraga is expected to attain that status within this month.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, June 3, EastMinCom spokesperson Col. Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel confirmed that the military and local government units are only waiting for the formal declaration ceremony.

“As we speak, the requirements for the declaration as insurgency-free are complete,” Manuel said. “We are just waiting for the formal declaration, which involves not only the AFP but also the local government units of the Caraga Region.”

The region falls under the operational jurisdiction of the 4th Infantry Division.

For decades, Caraga was considered one of the final frontiers and strongest bastions of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao, operating primarily under the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

However, military officials confirmed that the rebel group has been completely dismantled.

“There is no longer any NPA presence following the surrender of the remaining members and the death of their rebel leader,” Manuel stated, referring to the total collapse of the NEMRC following a combat encounter on May 11 that killed top leader Edilberto Daval, and the subsequent surrender of the group’s final remnants late last month.

“This development marks the complete collapse of the communist terrorist group’s major formation in Northeastern Mindanao,” Manuel added. “The nearing declaration of Caraga as a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) area is a clear validation of peace gains achieved through years of sacrifice, cooperation, and commitment across all sectors of society.”

Manuel also highlighted that the region’s established security allowed it to successfully host major events, drawing a parallel to the synchronized efforts of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila in securing the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa. 

She noted that the incident-free execution of the national games demonstrated that the region is fully capable of hosting major national gatherings in an environment where peace and progress flourish.

EastMinCom credited these achievements to focused military operations, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and the aggressive implementation of former rebel reintegration programs.

Despite the historic milestone, the command emphasized that operations will not stop.

“While we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that peace is not a destination but a continuing responsibility,” Manuel said. “EastMinCom remains steadfast in sustaining the gains achieved not only in Caraga but also in the Davao Region and other areas already declared insurgency-free.”

Headquartered in Panacan, Davao City, EastMinCom’s primary area of responsibility (AOR) covers the entire eastern portion of Mindanao, including the Davao Region (Region XI), Soccsksargen (Region XII), and Caraga (Region XIII). Following Caraga’s formal declaration, the entire command is on track to claim a fully neutralized NPA presence across its borders.

“The story of the Eastern Mindanao Command today is no longer defined by conflict, but by transformation,” Manuel concluded. “Communities are choosing peace over violence, progress over fear, and hope over uncertainty.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Three NPA remnants surrender amid intensified operations in Eastern Misamis Oriental

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Following sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.Following sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.

FOLLOWING sustained and focused military pressure, three remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) recently surrendered to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division.

The surrenders are remnants of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and come on the heels of the recent yielding of their Secretary, alias Shaggy/Poldo.

The Army credited the development to the continuous presence and operational pressure exerted by government forces through the joint efforts of the 58th, 23rd, and 28th Infantry Battalions.

The surrenderees also turned over one (1) AR18 rifle, along with a magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition.

Initial custodial debriefing revealed that one of the surrenderees, identified as alias Aklas/Eti, was previously considered a potential successor within the NPA unit due to his capabilities. All three are now undergoing further debriefing and documentation at a designated facility in Butuan City.

Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that the series of surrenders underscored the steady decline in the NPA’s strength and morale.

“Their decision to abandon the armed struggle is a direct result of the sustained pressure from focused military operations and the 4ID’s consistent engagement with local communities,” Espuelas Jr. stated, reiterating the commitment to peace and security.

Meanwhile, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division commander, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., lauded the Brigade’s accomplishment.

He highlighted that the surrenders demonstrated the increasing trust of former rebels in the government’s peace programs.

Major General Anayron Jr. reaffirmed the division’s commitment to supporting those who choose to return to the fold of the law, stressing that the Army will continue to create conditions conducive to peace, development, and lasting stability in the region.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

75IB discovers NPA anti-personnel mines on Surigao del Sur foot trail

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 75TH Infantry Battalion (75IB) reported the discovery of two anti-personnel mines (APMs) in the hinterlands of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, on Nov. 15.

The explosives, believed to have been planted by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), were found along a foot trail in Barangay San Pedro, Marihatag, an area frequently used by local residents traveling between isolated communities.

Lt. Col. Earl Pardillo, commanding officer of the 75IB, confirmed that troops from a nearby patrol base made the discovery and immediately secured the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

Pardillo condemned the use of the deadly devices as they violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The capture of these anti-personnel mines highlights the continuing threat such devices pose to innocent lives. APMs do not distinguish between soldiers and civilians, and even children could have been the victims. These devices leave lifelong physical and emotional scars on communities,” he said.

He said the timely discovery prevented what could have been a devastating incident for residents who rely on the foot trail for daily transit.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), commended the 75IB troops for their swift action.

In his statement, Anayron assured the public that the 4ID remains fully committed to its mission: protecting innocent lives, neutralizing threats, and ensuring that local communities can live, work, and travel safely.

The seized APMs are currently being securely stored and will be properly disposed of by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

EastMinCom says EDCA sites across PH, including Mindanao, tapped for disaster response

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) announced on Wednesday that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site at Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City is poised to play a crucial role in humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) efforts, extending beyond its primary defense exercises.

Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for EastMinCom, confirmed this during Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. 

She clarified that the utilization of EDCA sites for HADR is not confined to Luzon, which is currently grappling with the effects of Typhoon Crising.

“We are directed to use EDCA sites as a hub for resources to help individuals who are just like what happened in Luzon,” Evangelista stated. 

She added that within EastMinCom’s area of responsibility, specifically in the 4th Infantry Division’s location at Old Airport Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro, “if we have EDCA sites here that can be utilized for human and disaster response area, and to collaborate with other agencies, also that could be a hub, a staging point for support for areas that need assistance.”

The EastMinCom official’s statement aligns with the broader directive from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who on Tuesday declared that military sites under the Philippine-US EDCA would serve as “key hubs for humanitarian assistance” amidst heavy monsoon rains.

In a separate statement, Brawner emphasized that these locations would act as staging areas for prepositioning rescue equipment and consolidating relief goods.

 “We are working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to make sure our efforts are aligned and effective – bringing government agencies together in a whole-of-nation approach,” he said.

Brawner underscored that leveraging EDCA sites would enable the military to deliver aid faster and more efficiently to affected communities, particularly in hard-hit and remote areas, emphasizing that such rapid response could be a matter of life or death. 

This utilization, he noted, complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instructions, coursed through Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

When asked whether American soldiers would be directly involved in providing aid from these sites, Evangelista clarified, “No. Ang ating mga kasundaluhan, our ready reserve forces are there. Sites only, but kung ang the area ay may mga equipment, then for disaster response, it can also be used not only for exercise but to calamities or disaster response.” 

She also stressed that even prior to these pronouncements, AFP soldiers, including ready reserve units and regular forces, are always prepared to conduct HADR operations and are on call for emergencies.

Brawner further highlighted how the AFP’s defense partnerships, especially with the United States, are bolstering its ground troops.

 “We are in close coordination with the US Indo-Pacific Command to ensure seamless interoperability as we utilize these shared facilities, transport, and airlift assets in this mission,” he said.

He concluded that the use of EDCA sites is not merely a logistical decision but “a commitment to bring support and comfort to our ‘kababayans’ (compatriots) with all possible speed and efficiency,” allowing the AFP to leverage all available advantages, including strong alliances and strategic infrastructure, to fulfill its mandate.

Signed in 2014, EDCA permits Filipino and American soldiers to train together and enables U.S. troops to construct facilities and preposition supplies and equipment within nine strategically located bases across the Philippines. 

These sites include Cesar Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu; Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Verified by MonsterInsights