AFP chief commends troops for peace and order gains in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): AFP chief commends troops for peace and order gains in Samar (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino has lauded the Hinabangan, Samar-based 801st Infantry Brigade for its contribution to the peace and order in the area.

"He was welcomed by its commander, Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, who also provided the CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) with updates on the internal security campaign in its area of operations," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement Friday.

Centino visited the 801st Infantry Brigade on Thursday. The unit is one of the three infantry brigades of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.

The AFP chief thanked the Army unit for its contributions to peace and security accomplishments that positively affected the government's efforts to end the communist armed conflict in the country.

"He also urged the officers of the brigade to be more involved in assessing the morale and welfare of their personnel as well as ensuring the highest standards of discipline, "that is a mark of a true Filipino soldier," Baclor said.

The military earlier said the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Eastern Visayas region is now on the verge of collapse with the deaths of key leaders and the surrender of combatants and staunch supporters.

8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo earlier said this is because the NPA in the region could not find potential leaders to direct and make critical decisions for the group.

On April 21, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) confirmed the deaths of its leaders, couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, during a boat explosion in Catbalogan City, Samar province on Aug. 22, 2022.

The Tiamzon couple made critical decisions for the armed struggle. Benito was believed to be the chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic (CPP-NDF) and its armed wing, the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200833