JAMINDAN, Capiz – The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) has failed to project itself as a force to reckon with as its strength continue to dwindle in Panay and Negros Islands.
Military records show significant decrease in NPA strength by 49 percent as of 1st quarter of 2013 from 444 in 2010.
In 2010, 15 NPA members have surrendered while in 2011, rebel returnees ballooned to 88 and 14 were arrested and served with warrants of arrest. Also in 2012, 87 went back to the folds of the government while 13 were also arrested with warrants.
Major General Jose Mabanta Jr, Commander of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said, “The CPP-NPA is losing its mass base support while their ranks continue to go back to mainstream of society and start a new life. Despite of the decrease in their number, there are a lot to be done. In the spirit of Bayanihan, we will continue to work together and even harder with the local communities, the local government units, local government agencies, the civil society organizations and all other stakeholders in putting an end to insurgency in Panay and
In the 1st quarter of this year, two NPA members also yielded to government authorities while two top ranking officials were arrested with cases of murder, arson and physical injuries.
More NPA members are expected to go down as feelers to surrender have reached the Army headquarters. Revelations of former rebels state that most of their comrades are contemplating to surrender due to hardship that they’ve been experiencing in the jungles while others have been thinking deeply about their families and that anytime something may happen to them due to continuing military operations.
Taking arms is not the solution to our problems. Those who chose the right path are now enjoying a renewed life together with their families and are even productive in their communities, while those who have committed a crime must be punished as their victims have been longing for justice.
Recently, 15 former rebels (FRs) in Negros Occidental gladly received a total of P149, 338.75 worth of livelihood projects and cash aid of P5, 000.00 each as part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the provincial government in response to the economic, social and psychological rehabilitation needs of these FRs.
However, Calixto Vistal alias Cocoy, an NPA leader in Negros Oriental, was recently given the maximum punishment of “Reclusion Perpetua” or life imprisonment as he was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for murder of Basilio Casido last May 7, 2009 in Tayak, Siaton, and ordered to pay the victim’s direct heirs the amount of P100, 000.00 in civil indemnity and moral damages.
“The continued arm struggle will just give us hardships in our pursuit of peace, with the needless loss of lives, especially the civilians being caught in between. We reiterate our call to our brothers and sisters who are still in the wrong path and continue with the armed struggle, to lay down your arms and join the mainstream of society, abandon the armed violence, live peacefully together with your family and be the instrument of peace and development of our country,” MGen Mabanta added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=511573
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