30/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE | EastMinCom Marks 20 Years of Service, Partnership, and Commitment to Safeguarding Eastern Mindanao
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City — The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA, marked its 20th Founding Anniversary on August 28 with the theme, "EMC@20: Honoring Two Decades of Service and Partnership, Safeguarding the Eastern Mindanao Frontier," reaffirming its enduring commitment to protecting the nation's borders, safeguarding the Filipino people, and upholding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The celebration was graced by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete PA, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, together with Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran PA, the newly installed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), as well as senior military officials, government leaders, partner agencies, and other key stakeholders.
The anniversary celebration also recognized deserving military personnel for their exceptional performance, courage, and dedication to duty, as well as civilian stakeholders whose invaluable support and partnership have contributed significantly to the accomplishment of EastMinCom's mission. Their recognition underscored the principle that the gains achieved across Eastern Mindanao are the product of a whole-of-nation effort anchored on shared responsibility, cooperation, and trust.
The event was attended by commanders and representatives from EastMinCom's Joint Task Forces, Brigades, Post Units, and other operationally controlled units, along with counterparts from other law enforcement units; officials and representatives from local government units and national government agencies; and other key civilian partners and stakeholders.
During the program, Lt. Gen. Orio highlighted the dismantling of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), formerly the Communist Terrorist Group's principal regional command in Northeastern Mindanao. Its dismantling marked a decisive breakthrough in the campaign against insurgency and contributed significantly to the Caraga Region's attainment of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status—a milestone made possible through sustained military operations, responsive governance, strong inter-agency collaboration, and the active participation of local communities.
Across the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area, 84 cities and municipalities have sustained their Insurgency-Free status, while 79 have achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security, reflecting significant gains made possible through the collective efforts of security forces, government agencies, local government units, stakeholders, and communities.
Under Campaign Plan "Tatag Sidlakan Mindanao," EastMinCom dismantled 12 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) units, facilitated the surrender of 590 CTG members and supporters, recovered 461 fi****ms, and seized 45 anti-personnel mines, further degrading the remaining insurgent structures and strengthening the foundations of lasting peace and security throughout Eastern Mindanao.
In his message, Lt. Gen. Orio underscored that EastMinCom's achievements over the past two decades were built not only through operational victories, but also through the dedication of its personnel and the enduring partnerships forged with government agencies, local government units, law enforcement counterparts, stakeholders, and communities.
"To every member of the Eastern Mindanao Command—past and present—this anniversary is your story. It is the story of quiet professionalism, unwavering commitment, courage that expected no recognition, and service that asked for nothing in return except the privilege to serve our nation," Lt. Gen. Orio said.
He further emphasized that the Command's success is ultimately measured by the safer communities, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities made possible by sustained peace and stability.
"The first twenty years were never simply about defeating an insurgency. They were about creating the conditions where communities could prosper, institutions could grow stronger, children could dream beyond conflict, and future generations could inherit an Eastern Mindanao defined not by fear—but by opportunity," he added.
Meanwhile, Gen. Nafarrete underscored the AFP's enduring values of honor, service, and patriotism, emphasizing EastMinCom's two decades of steadfast commitment to national security, the protection of the Filipino people, and the defense of the country's territory.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been anchored on honor, service, and patriotism, values that the Eastern Mindanao Command has continuously exemplified in every mission, fostering a sense of pride in the Philippines. Two decades of neutralizing threats, protecting our people, and securing our territories have forged the Eastern Mindanao Command into an enduring pillar of strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Through every operational engagement that has been based in this joint operational area, it continues to be a beacon of national security in this part of the country.
"Let's lead with dignity, humility, and accountability. We must remain firm as one AFP, united in purpose, integrated in action, and committed in duty," Gen. Nafarrete said.
Leading up to the formal anniversary program, EastMinCom conducted a series of pre-anniversary activities that reflected the Command's commitment to service, camaraderie, compassion, and partnership. These included a Thanksgiving Mass; Drive for Hope 5.0, a charity golf tournament in support of children battling cancer; a House of Hope Gift-Giving Activity; and an Art Contest and Exhibit showcasing the creativity of EastMinCom personnel while depicting the Command's mission, milestones, and legacy.
The celebration culminated in a Fellowship Night, providing an opportunity to honor the dedication, sacrifices, and shared achievements of the men and women who have served the Command throughout its two-decade journey.
As EastMinCom enters its third decade of service, the Command remains steadfast in sustaining the hard-earned gains of internal peace and security while strengthening its capabilities for territorial defense and external security operations. Guided by jointness, interoperability, strong partnerships, and the unwavering commitment of its personnel, EastMinCom will continue to safeguard Eastern Mindanao and contribute to the defense of the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Twenty years on, EastMinCom carries forward a legacy forged through service and strengthened by partnership—ready to meet emerging challenges and steadfast in its mission to secure a peaceful, resilient, and progressive Eastern Mindanao.
