ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has committed to intensifying efforts to neutralize insurgent activities and sustain peace and development in Western and Central Visayas this 2025.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, emphasized the division’s continued focus on eliminating the New People’s Army (NPA) and its allied groups through Focused Military Operations (FMOs).
“Let’s embrace 2025 as a year to build on our successes and complete our work towards a peaceful and progressive Western and Central Visayas. Year 2024 proved that unity brings success, and I’m confident that we can achieve even greater things this year,” Sison said.
2024 Achievements
Sison noted that in 2024, the 3ID achieved significant milestones despite numerous challenges. The division attributed its success to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the support of stakeholders, and cooperation from the local communities.
According to 3ID records, the division engaged in 63 encounters last year — 11 classified as major and 48 as minor — which led to the neutralization of 116 NPA members. Among these, 47 rebels were killed, while 69 either surrendered or were captured.
Additionally, 145 assorted firearms were recovered during the operations.
These engagements resulted in the dismantling of three guerrilla fronts and the disruption of urban support networks, effectively redirecting 26 communist-affiliated mass organizations and rendering one sectoral front organization ineffective.
Stable Peace Declared in Key Areas
The provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Antique were declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) areas, a key achievement in the division’s ongoing mission.
Sison urged stakeholders and local communities to maintain their trust and support for the 3ID’s initiatives in 2025.
“All our accomplishments from the past year were made possible through our collective efforts. We worked tirelessly to achieve these milestones, and we need your continued support and cooperation to sustain our progress. Let’s channel the same energy, or even greater vigor, as we protect and build upon these advances in our shared vision to establish a stable internal peace and security,” Sison said./PN
