All barangays in Caraga cleared of NPA influence – PRO 13

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9, 2023): All barangays in Caraga cleared of NPA influence – PRO 13 (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II reported on Thursday, March 9, that all barangays in the Caraga region have been cleared of New People’s Army influence.

Labra, quoting the 4th Quarter 2022 Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC)-Eastern Mindanao Area Periodic Status Report on Threat Group (PSRTG) Validation/Workshop, said the number of barangays affected by the New People’s Army went down to zero in the fourth quarter of 2022 from 85 in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“The government fight against this communist terrorist group is already in the winning ground,” Labra said.

Labra also disclosed that NPA manpower and firepower in Caraga declined 42.58 percent and 46.71 percent, respectively, from 472 regular members and 501 firearms in 2018 to 271 regular members and 267 firearms in 2022.

“The issuance of Executive Order No. 70 institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, the creation of the National and Local Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the effective implementation of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and the strong partnership among the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and all stakeholders have holistically created a safer Philippines for the Filipino people,” Labra said.

He added that NPA influence continues to decline due to the death of leaders Jose Maria C. Sison and George ‘’Ka Oris’’ Madlos and the increasing number of arrested and surrendered communist guerrillas.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/09/all-barangays-in-caraga-cleared-of-npa-influence-pro-13/