‘NPA in north down to one platoon’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 5): ‘NPA in north down to one platoon’
The New People’s Army operating in northern Negros, especially in the ESTOCA (Escalante-Toboso-Calatrava) has been reduced from three platoons of armed fighters in previous years to one, Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Aying attributed this to their sustained military operations, in tandem with the Philippine National Police, in one year and six months.

Military records show that 89 rebels had surrendered to the military in Negros Occidental since 2011, some of them with their firearms, and availed of the Guns for Peace program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, They also availed of livelihood and financial assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

Aying said the remaining platoon-sized unit of the NPA in northern Negros has splintered into four small groups to avoid detection.

Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said they noted the NPA is avoiding armed confrontation with patrolling Army soldiers, with the last encounter recorded in January this year.

However, the NPA Jean Pelle Command, in an earlier statement issued to the media, laughed off military claims that their forces are dwindling.

Two months ago, rebels killed five soldiers in an encounter in Sipalay City, and took with them five high-powered firearms.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/July/05/topstory7.htm