Army sees continuing reduction of rebel forces in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): Army sees continuing reduction of rebel forces in Negros Occidental

The Philippine Army (PA) in Negros Occidental is expecting further reduction in the forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province this year.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said many members of the rebel group are already surrendering because of the hard life they experience in the mountains.

Only about 200 NPA rebels are left in Negros Occidental, according to military estimates.

As of the last quarter of 2013, more than 80 rebel returnees received government assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program and Armed Forces of the Philippines “Guns for Peace” Program.

They received a total of P4.555 million in cash in exchange for their firearms, and livelihood assistance, military records show.

Aying said the government forces will not lower their guard, and will conduct continued security patrols, peace and development activities, and support to humanitarian programs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=602303