Communist movement waning in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Communist movement waning in Bicol

The armed movement of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol has waned after government internal security operation went in full throttle, the 9th Army’s Infantry Division (ID) said Monday.... “The Army and the PNP reduced the rebel organization in Bicol by 63 this year. 24 rebels were slain and 18 were either captured or apprehended during combat operations while 21 others returned to the folds of law,” Major General Romeo V. Calizo, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division said. Calizo attributed the accomplishments to the Army’s implementation of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan" which has gained momentum this year.... The NPA strength in Bicol was high at 546 in 2008 before plunging to 406 by midyear 2010. It climbed to 437 by midyear 2011 before dropping to 427 by the end 2011.... Rebels are believed to be moving in formations of an average of five (5) members. The 9th Infantry Division saw it as a sign of regression, with the NPAs tied down to their old guerrilla tactics on "hit and run strategy," a manifestation of their deteriorating organization....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460655