• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
In preparations for a shift towards Territorial Defense Operations (TDO), Army troops stationed in Negros and Panay have been ordered to finish Internal Security Operations (ISO) by the end of 2024.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises the internal security campaign in Negros and Panay, ordered the troops to run after remnants of the dismantled NPA guerilla fronts in both islands.
There must be “zero” remnants of the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) in our Joint Operational Area (JOA), just like what we did in the Province of Bohol, Sison told 302nd Infantry Brigade troopers, during his recent visit to Negros Oriental.
He emphasized the need for sheer focus, discipline, and perseverance as the troops contend with a “thinking enemy.”
While the CTG is waning in its armed struggle, Sison said the group continues to find strength and leverage in its legal offensives.
Hence, to end the local communist armed conflict is not only a “must” that efforts shall also be exhausted in countering the CTG urban operations, but also “crucial,” as we transition to our peculiar roles in TDO, he added.
“We must remain vigilant and not rest on our laurels. Instead, we will continuously conduct Focused Military Operations (FMOs) and counter-CTG Urban Operations to achieve our goal of ending insurgency by the end of the year,” Sison further stressed to Army troops.
Negros Island is under a status of Stable Internal Peace and Security, as declared by the 3ID, and concurred by the Provincial Peace and Order Councils of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
Sison also reminded troops of the high trust and approval ratings enjoyed by the Armed Forces, urging them to uphold these standards through discipline and respect for human rights.
“We are the protectors of the people; hence, any form of abuse is unacceptable,” he stressed.*
