ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has neutralized 236 members and leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western and Central Visayas this year.
In 92 encounters, according to the 3ID, 57 rebels died, 164 surrendered and 15 arrested.
The 3ID also seized 192 firearms – 76 high-powered and 116 low-powered.
A majority of these arms, 142, were recovered from Western Visayas, and 50 from Central Visayas.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, the 3ID spokesperson, also highlighted the division’s continuous support for former rebels who chose to surrender.
Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), 341 former rebels received various benefits, including immediate livelihood and reintegration assistance.
Of the E-CLIP beneficiaries, 285 were from Western Visayas, and 56 from Central Visayas.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, credited the division’s success to the strong collaboration with government agencies, local government units, and the populace in both regions.
He also noted a decrease in rebel manpower from 214 active members in 2022 to 146 this year.
Major General Sison assured the public of the Army’s commitment to sustaining peace efforts and achieving a rebel-free Visayas.
He said the 3ID would continue its operations during the Christmas season, emphasizing the division’s dedication to defeating the rebels and ensuring peace and progress in Western and Central Visayas./PN
