Southern Luzon Command to intensify security operations to neutralize rebel threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): Southern Luzon Command to intensify security operations to neutralize rebel threat

The Southern Luzon Command said on Tuesday it will further intensify its security operations to neutralize rebel threat and ensure peace and development in the Southern Tagalog region.

This was stressed by Major Angelo Guzman, Southern Luzon Command spokesperson, who said that their Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) efforts in 2014 had stalled the growth of the Communist Party Party (CPP) and New People's Army (NPA) in the region.

"In fact, there was a continuous decrease in the number of NPA's firearms and number of influenced or affected barangays. With this, Southern Luzon Command intends to accelerate the pace this year," Guzman said.

This was seconded by Southern Luzon Command chief Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya who said that "what they accomplished last year would form part of our campaign planning for 2015."

As such, he said that the Southern Luzon Command will intensify its combat operations and massive Civil-Military Operations this year.

Last year’s campaign plan yielded positive results for the Command.

Combat operations resulted in the neutralization of 124 (12 killed, 33 captured, 79 surrendered) regular members of the CPP-NPA.

Among these, 18 were high-ranking. It also prevented the recruitment for their armed component.

Civil-military operations efforts of "Bayanihan" teams led to the clearing of 40 barangays from enemy influence and affectation.

“Our focused military operations in 2014 gained headway in diminishing mass-based support on the Communist Party and the NPA,” Visaya said.

He added that their community-based peace and development efforts in partnership with various stakeholders effectively complemented their focused military operations.

Most of the "Bayanihan" projects were integral part in the conduct of peace and development operations in the barangays.

A total of 9,443 various projects and activities with stakeholders were conducted such as community services – 4,332; medical assistance – 259; landscaping para sa "kalikasan at kaunlaran" – 1,382; cleanliness and beautification 2,116; feeding programs – 114; sports festivities – 352; visits to camp facilities – 14; religious activities – 726; free haircut – 106; and activities with reservists – 42.

The campaign was able to help establish the conditions for the creation of an environment conducive for sustainable economic development.

"Through peace efforts, business firms, vital installations and major projects were shielded from enemy depredations. There was also no record of enemy major sabotage activities that might bear impact on the economic environment," Visaya pointed out.

There was also sustained peace and harmony in the industrial zones of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon.

Likewise, there were improvements in rural productivity and vibrant rural economy based on government records and booming local tourism as evidenced by the continued development of large theme parks and high-end tourist destinations.

On Nov. 25, 2014, the island province of Catanduanes was declared "Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development."

In humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), the Southern Luzon Command, as the lead search, rescue and retrieval (SRR) component of the Armed Forces in Southern Luzon, had effectively responded to the different types of disasters in the area of responsibility (AOR).

"Operating through the two infantry divisions, naval and air force components, the Command had significantly integrated these units in collaboration with other stakeholders to help mitigate the effects of disasters by saving lives, facilitating the evacuation to safer grounds through transportation assistance, providing communication and information assistance and other essential support before, during and after any disaster," Visaya stressed.

He also said that in times of calamities, Southern Luzon Command disaster tasked units have been in the forefront conducting various disaster response and relief operations.

"Though heavily affected, Southern Luzon Command forces were involved in HADR-related activities when typhoon 'Glenda' ravaged the AOR on 15 July 2014 and typhoon 'Ruby' on 7-9 December 2014. The command also conducted month-long HADR operations during the forced evacuation in preparation for the eruption of Mayon Volcano sometime in September 2014," Visaya said.

“We will pursue with vigor the declaration of programmed areas for Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development,” he added.

Visaya said that they will continually sharpen the command's tools of war and improve its fighting capabilities. Also, it will continue to adapt to the ever changing operational environment, sustain pressure and keep the enemy on the run.

“We will be doing these while we transform to a more credible force,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=727066