• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The remnants of the New People’s Army are employing violent activities, targeting civilians they accuse as military informants, as part of their diversionary tactics to lessen the pressure against them, according to the Philippine Army.
Because of the ongoing focused military operations conducted by the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, the rebel remnants have dispersed into small formations, evading government operations, and establishing their survival posture, a report of the Philippine Army stated.
The dismantled Roselyn Jean Pelle Command had issued separate statements claiming responsibility for the recent killings of four civilians in Toboso, E.B. Magalona, and Victorias City.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division commander, ordered troops in Negros Island to sustain military operations against the remnants to prevent them from recruiting new members and recover lost territories.
“We cannot be complacent, because we know that by the nature of the revolutionary movement, if you neglect them, they usually take advantage of the situation when troops are absent,” Samson said.
From January to April 27 this year, a total of 15 rebel remnants were neutralized by the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental. Ten were killed in separate gun battles in the cities of Kabankalan City, Sipalay and Cadiz, three were arrested, while two surrendered.
Over the same period, 13 firearms and two explosives were recovered by the Philippine Army.
In its assessment, the Philippine Army said that rebel remnants in Negros Occidental are expected to intensify their recovery in the urban areas, by organizing underground mass organizations and sectoral front organizations.
As of this time, it added the security situation in Negros Occidental remains generally peaceful and manageable, with the whole of nation and whole of government programs and projects, combined with focused military operations having significantly degraded the capabilities of the NPA remnants.*
