ILOILO City – Will the Philippine Army succeed in ending the insurgency in Panay and Negros islands before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends this June 30?
The 3rd infantry (Spearhead) Division is doubling its effort, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, division commander.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) chief of staff General Andres Centino committed to stop the 52-year rebellion by the time the President steps down from office.
“Patuloy ang ating campaign. We are now doubling our effort. Ang mga sunod-sunod na encounters at mga pag-surrender or pagkahuli ng mga rebelde ating ginagawa,” Arevalo said.
The New People’s Army (NPA) has three options, he said – die in an encounter, be captured or surrender voluntarily.
Surrender is the best option, stressed Arevalo.
Surrenderees are offered financial and livelihood assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start a new life.
“As your Chief of Staff, I am taking the lead in this final push of our campaign. I enjoin everyone to maintain our momentum, sustain our gains and remain victorious. Let us finish the local armed conflict within the President’s term. As the Armed Forces of the Filipino people, we shall not fail them in their desire of having a peaceful and secure society,” Centino said during last month’s 2021 yearend command conference at the AFP general headquarters.
Centino directed AFP commanders to intensify their operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, through intelligence-driven combat operations aiming to destroy the rebels’ leadership, cut-off their source of funds and disrupt their logistics support.
“Let us once again be reminded to isolate ourselves from partisan politics so we can focus on our noble mandate of protecting the people and the state. We must avoid participating in any partisan political activities, except to exercise our individual right to vote,” Centino added.
According to Arevalo, in Panay Island, the 3ID’s biggest accomplishment in Panay was the death of 16 rebels in an encounter on Dec. 1, 2021 in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
“Once again, I call the rebels to surrender kasi kahit kami ayaw namin ng away. Kung willing kayo magbalik-loob sa gobyerno, we will help you through the E-CLIP program,” Arevalo said./PN
