We will bring the fight to them.
This was the message of Col. Francisco Delfin,
newly-installed commanding officer of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade, to the New
People's Army remnants, who continue to defy the declaration of Negrenses that
the province is now peaceful and ready for further development.
Delfin, who met Friday with members of the Negros Press
Club, said that if the NPA remnants will not make peace with the people, then
the Philippine Army will continue to look for them.
He acknowledged the help of the people of Negros Occidental
in providing information on NPA presence in their areas, that led to armed
engagements.
They (NPA) are now engaging more on extortion activities,
Delfin added.
The military estimates that there are about 200 armed NPA
members operating in Negros island, which is
now known as Region 18, or the Negros Island Region.
The violent activities of the NPA subsided in the past
years, after the 303 rd IB launched its comprehensive peace and development
programs in conflict-affected communities in the 1st and 5th districts,
spearheaded by the provincial government through its Provincial Peace
Integration and Development Unit, in tandem with multi-sectoral groups.
Delfin said the programs and projects launched by his
predecessor, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, helped in the declaration of Negros
Occidental as peaceful and ready for further development, the last of the
provinces of Western Visayas to be declared as
such.
Last year, Negros Oriental was also declared peaceful and
ready for further development.
Delfin said the atrocities committed by the NPA in the past
years, are “good indicators” that the people no longer support them.
“The Negrenses have already realized that giving support to
the rebel group would mean continuance of their (NPA) banditry activities,” he
added.
Delfin vowed to continue, or even enhance the programs and
projects left behind by Gen. Aying, by focusing on the environment and
empowering the youth, in collaboration with multi-sectoral groups, including
the Church.
He met Friday with leaders of the Diocese of San Carlos, and
some of the priests assigned at the Diocese of Bacolod, who also assured
assistance to his peace advocacy.
Delfin reiterated his call for the Negrenses to help in
attaining and achieving peace in the province.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/June/22/topstory4.htm
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