Army reports weakening rebel forces in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14): Army reports weakening rebel forces in Leyte

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade based in Leyte reported that rebel groups operating in the province have been weakened, but their presence can still be felt in some communities.

"Insurgent activities in the province are limited to critical acts with minimal presence of at least 30 armed insurgents. They have low capability to initiate violent attacks, and sporadic occurrences of violent incidents,” the 802nd Brigade reported during the recent provincial peace and order council meeting.

Most of the rebels are operating in the upland villages of Carigara town and Ormoc City. Their presence can still be felt in the towns of Kanangga, Jaro, Capoocan, Albuera, Burauen, Baybay City and McArthur.

Leyte province, which was already declared as conflict manageable and ready for development area, but even with this status, sporadic presence of communist group remained.

"They will exert efforts to recover their lost mass bases and recruit and train to fill-in their ranks. Likewise, they will take the campaign period for election as an opportunity to generate several firearms and increase their finances thru permit to campaign and permit to win," said Lt. Torino Inso of the 802nd Brigade.

Citing intelligence reports, communist members have been targeting members of indigenous people living in remote areas as target for recruitment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=803617