3rd ID chief says military to sustain pressure on NPA in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): 3rd ID chief says military to sustain pressure on NPA in Negros

The newly-installed commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Western Visayas has committed to sustain pressure against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island.

“We will apply physical pressure (on) the NPA through focused military operations coupled with enhanced Bayanihan team activities,” Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said in a press statement on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Baladad took over the helm of the 3rd ID from Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, who was appointed acting commander, following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr.

Baladad said he aims to further increase the operational tempo of the 3rd ID to accomplish its goals and objectives this year and in the coming year.

The Army official said he also “aims to make Negros more peaceful and more conducive for development by sustaining the pressure on the NPA in the area to reduce their armed capability.”

Baladad was previously assigned deputy chief of staff for operations whose office leads the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan.”

“We will continue to deliberately engage with the stakeholders in order to foster culture of peace that will renounce armed violence. The problems in our society cannot be solved by purely military solution. Let us work together and unite all our efforts in winning the peace in this part of the country,” Baladad further said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=545497