ILOILO – The recent surrender of 70 members and allies of the New People’s Army (NPA) boosted the Philippine Army’s campaign against insurgency, according to Major General Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).
To sustain the momentum, he said, government forces will intensify anti-insurgency operations
“The mass surrender showed we are winning the anti-insurgency drive and that the NPA armed movement is waning,” Vinoya said.
“The communist-terrorist organization is losing ground. They are losing not only the support of the people but also the trust and confidence of their members,” Vinoya stressed.
On Monday, the 70 surrenderers yielded firearms to the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Miag-ao town. They received cash and gift packs from the Army in return.
Of the total surrenderers, 16 were from Miag-ao, 27 from Tubungan, six from Leon, and21 from San Joaquin.
They pledged allegiance to the government and burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA.
“We are happy. You made the right decision – to return to the folds of the law after years of joining a senseless and bloody armed struggle. Rest assured that your government, especially your Army in Panay, is more than willing to help you as you begin another chapter of your lives with your families,” Vinoya said./PN
