Army targets NPA remnants in Tapaz offensive ops

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division is conducting sustained offensive operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Capiz province.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, chief of the Army’s 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said the military is determined to dismantle remaining NPA elements believed to be hiding in the tri-boundary of Barangays Agpalali, Artuz and Tabon in Tapaz town.

The 3rd ID estimates that around 10 armed rebels from the dismantled Central Front and Regional Sentro de Grabidad of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P) are still actively engaged in the armed struggle.

These individuals are reportedly led by two high-value targets who assumed leadership roles following the death, capture or surrender of their former commanders.

“These two individuals have assumed leadership with or without sanction from the NPA Central Committee,” Lamzon said.

He noted that the ongoing offensive aims to neutralize these leaders and finally eliminate the weakened rebel front.

“We will continue the fight until they wear out or run out of ammunition and become hungry and exhausted,” he added.

Lamzon said the Army is strengthening its intelligence network through monitoring and reconnaissance operations in Tapaz and adjacent areas.

He also assured the public that operations are being conducted with caution to prevent harm to civilians.