VISCOM continues to weaken NPA remnants

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 5, 2024): VISCOM continues to weaken NPA remnants (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Geared towards pursuing the New People’s Army remnants in the Visayas after clearing all rebel-infested communities in the region last year, the Visayas Command (VISCOM) claimed to continue delivering crushing blows to the terrorist group since last month.

“We may have cleared all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas and dismantled all its mass bases in the region, but still we can’t afford to be complacent,” disclosed VISCOM chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo.

In a statement, Arevalo stressed that there are still remnants of the NPA terrorists that they should still pursue, as they remain to be a threat to peace and stability in the region, and are still capable of sowing fear and terror to the people.

VISCOM said it conducted 20 focused military operations last month, resulting in 10 government initiated encounters, a 50 percent hit factor in the campaign against the CPP-NPA, which it attributed to the active support of the people.

During that period, VISCOM said it neutralized 13 NPA rebels, of which five died in encounters, five surrendered, while three others were arrested. It also resulted in the confiscation of 14 firearms.

As for the CPP- NPA remnants, Arevalo urged them to choose the path of peace, while they still can.*

https://visayandailystar.com/viscom-continues-to-weaken-npa-remnants/