Army on track to declare Negros insurgency-free

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 28): Army on track to declare Negros insurgency-free

The Army's 3rd Infantry Division remains on track in their objective to declare Negros and Panay insurgency-free by next year, although they fell short of their target to reduce the New People's Army strength and firepower in the third quarter of 2015.

But its commander, Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said Saturday that they were able to reduce the NPA strength in Negros to about 147 members, with the same numbers also in Panay. At the same time, they were able to clear 49 rebel affected barangays in both islands, he added.

Last year, the military estimated that there are still about 200 operating in the Negros hinterlands.

The 3ID is eyeing further reduction of the NPA strength and firepower to 25 percent by the end of the year.

While there is a lull in violent activities of the NPA, Guerrero admitted that there is also an increase in their non-violent activities, such as in recruitment of new members, mass-based build up and foraging for logistical requirements.

He,however, said the rebels are facing difficulty in pursuing their expansion activities due to the presence of Army Bayanihan Teams in rebel-affected areas.

As long as Bayanihan Teams are present in those areas, it will further restrict the movement and expansion attempt of the NPA remnants, Guerrero said.

Records of the AFP Central Command shows that 11 of the 16 provinces in the Visayas region have been declared as insurgency-free, including the two provinces of Negros, Iloilo, Northern Samar and Capiz.

As to the call of former Manapla Mayor Manuel Escalante to issue safe conduct passes for the NPA to join their families in the lowlands, Guerrero said they could come down anytime, provided they will not bring their firearms.

As long as they abandon the armed struggle, there is no problem, he said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/September/28/topstory4.htm