• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday expressed his optimism that Western Visayas may soon declared “insurgency free,” because of the declining strength and support to the remnants of the New People’s Army, since 2019.
In his speech before troops of the 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, President Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of maintaining the peace, and to further weaken communist terror groups(CTGs), apparently referring to the NPA.
The Commander-in-Chief lauded the 3rd Infantry Division for their unwavering dedication in fulfilling their sworn duties and responsibilities to the country, particularly in countering insurgencies.
“We must continue to do what we have been doing because it is very clear that it is effective, and it successful” Marcos Jr. said, as he congratulated not only commanders, but also the troops of 3ID, for a job well done.
The Philippine Army declared that it has dismantled two guerilla fronts and classified the three remaining guerilla fronts as weakened, as well as another NPA guerilla front in Panay island.
“Maganda ang ating performance ngayon dahil mabilis ang ating progreso. Maliwanag na tama ang ating ginagawa, tama ang ating mga strategy, tama ang ating pag-apply ng NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force –Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), ngunit patuloy pa rin ang military operations (Our performance is good because we are progressing quickly. It is clear that we are doing the right thing, employing the right strategies, applying the NTF-ELCAC while continuing military operations),” said Marcos Jr.
During a security briefing, Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, updated the President on the overview of the overall peace situation in Western and Central Visayas, including ongoing operations and their accomplishments.
“Hinihintay ko ang imbitasyon ninyo na makabalik ako dito sa 3ID para ideklara ang area na ito, insurgent-free. (I will wait for your invitation for me to return to 3ID, to declare this area as insurgent-free). Go ahead, keep up the good work, keep working, we will get there in the end” the President said.
“Well done to all of you, congratulations,” the Commander-in-Chief stressed to conclude his message.
The President also inspected the high-powered firearms surrendered by rebel returnees in Negros and Panay Island to the 3ID infantry units.*