Army claims weaker rebel forces with successive surrenders

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

In recent months, the Philippine Army noted the growing number of New People’s Army’s (NPA) combatants who laid down their arms.

The 3rd Infantry Division said this led to the weakening of the already thinning number of NPA combatants in the area.

And if that wasn’t enough, the NPA’s Komiyeng Rehiyon – Panay (KR-P)’s Central Front has been suffering major blows, as they continually lose their mass support, a top military official claimed.

Major General Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, said that the rebels continue to lose ground as locals continue to report their presence to Army units in the area.

Proof of this was the recent encounter between the 12th Infantry Battalion and the rebel group at Barangay Atimonan, Janiuay, Iloilo on Saturday

The armed clash happened after the government troops monitored the rebels who were allegedly extorting from the communities.

They also used the opportunity to recruit minors to their ranks.

The 20-minute encounter resulted in the capture of war materials with significant intelligence value. Also seized were three high-powered firearms such as M16 rifle, AK47, and carbine among others.

Vinoya said the recoveries suggested that the rebels were mulling an “evil” plan but was thwarted by government troops.

The 3ID commander lauded the 12IB troops while citing the support of the local populace in giving accurate and timely information.

“The NPAs in Panay are further weakened after the series of debacles against their movement. Their looming defeat is getting louder more than ever after the people’s realization of their lies and deception,” Vinoya said.

He also urged the public to continue protecting their communities against the true menace of the society.

“Let us mutually pursue the peace-making endeavors towards long and lasting peace in Western and Central Visayas,” Vinoya said.