Army dismantles NPA front

From the Sun Star-Cagayan (Mar 2, 2019): Army dismantles NPA front

THE 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said its collective efforts has led to the dismantling of one New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla front and weakened seven others in its area of responsibility.

Brigadier General Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander said, Guerrilla Front 8 was dismantled, while Guerilla Fronts 6, 88, 14, 19, 21, and 30 weakened.
He said there are only five remaining NPA front - guerrilla front 4A, 4B, 16, and 12.

Soldiers will continue its focused military operations to target other existing fronts of the enemies.

A total of 16 barangays also declared the NPA as persona non-grata and cleared 85 villages from the conflict-affected areas list, declared 8 provinces of Northern Mindanao and Caraga as conflict-manageable and ready for further development.

“This year, we will continue to pursue the convergence area for peace and development, and we want everybody to be involved, kasi there are a lot of issues that can be addressed by other government agencies, we must apply a whole of nation approach,” Gacal said.

Some 381 Former Rebels (FRs) received Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) benefits that include remuneration of firearms surrendered, livelihood assistance, education and training among others.

The joint AFP-PNP campaign meanwhile significantly neutralized 413 NPA personalities.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Jose Miguel Dela Rosa, guest speaker during the 49th anniversary celebration of the army division, lauded the accomplishments, urging the soldiers to continue to protect the people.

“You have done far more than what is required of you as soldiers. I am a civilian but I want to salute you,” Dela Rosa said.

Gacal, for his part said, the milestones achieved in 2018 are attained “through blood, sweat, and tears of every soldiers and the stakeholders”.

“Today we do not only look back at what we have achieved but also look forward to the exciting times in 2019 and beyond in building sustainable partnerships for peace and development in CARAGA and Northern Mindanao,” he added.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1794974