Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran conducted a command visit to the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Task Group Haribon, on January 19, 2026, to personally assess the security situation and check on the welfare and operational readiness of the troops.
Gumiran commended the Brigade for its significant accomplishments over the past year, noting that these contributed to improved stability and security within its area of operations.
Based on the briefing of Brigade Commander BGen. Billy O. Dela Rosa, Gumiran highlighted the unit’s effective operations against internal threat groups.
He expressed strong confidence in the leadership of the Brigade staff and subordinate commanders, emphasizing that Task Group Haribon is well-positioned to sustain—and further intensify—operations against remaining threat groups, particularly SRC5 and Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao, in line with higher headquarters’ directives.
The WestMinCom chief reminded troops to remain focused on their mission and to strictly observe the military chain of command, especially amid political developments and the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media.
“So, we have a chain of command na kung saan bilang miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay mahigpit nating sinusunod. Huwag tayong basta maniwala diyan. You can always fact-check iyong mga lumalabas na misinformation na kung saan nakikita natin iyong hangarin na sirain ang kredibilidad ng ating organisasyon,” Gumiran said, urging soldiers to let proper institutions address politically driven issues.
He stressed the importance of professionalism, discipline, and vigilance in safeguarding the credibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I’m very happy na malaman ko ang pinagagawa ninyo dito sa inyong area of responsibility, and I’m very confident na maipagpatuloy ninyo iyan—if not, mahigitan pa—para tuluyan nang ma-defeat ang mga internal threat groups na nag-ooperate sa inyong area,” he added.
Gumiran also underscored troop welfare, urging soldiers to maintain good health, avoid illegal drugs, and uphold the highest standards of conduct in the performance of their duties.
Concluding his visit, he thanked the officers and men of the 103rd Infantry Brigade for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and security operations in Western Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa reported that the Brigade is nearing the conclusion of its internal security campaign and is gradually transitioning toward external defense operations. He said sustained military pressure has significantly weakened SRC5, forcing its members to evade pursuing government troops.
“Our operations against SRC5 are ongoing and relentless. They are continuously being pursued, and we are hopeful that we can soon deliver the final blow against this group,” Dela Rosa said.
He disclosed that about 15 remaining SRC5 members are believed to be operating in the areas of Amai Manabilang and Wao in Lanao del Sur, as well as in Alamada, North Cotabato.
For Dawlah Islamiyah-Lanao, Dela Rosa said the Brigade is closely coordinating with all forces, particularly the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, to jointly pursue the remaining remnants of the group.
“I am confident that we will soon corner and defeat this group,” he said.
The 103rd Infantry Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in Lanao del Sur and nearby areas through focused, intelligence-driven operations and strong inter-unit coordination.
