Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – A total of three NPA terrorists were neutralized, and four (4) firearms were seized by the government troops, as the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region succumbs to a huge setback in a span of 3 days.
It can be recalled that on July 17, remnants of the NPA’s Front Committee 15 of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) encountered the troops under the 803rd Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force Storm (JTF) Storm at Brgy Magsaysay, Mapanas in Northern Samar. One NPA terrorist died during the said encounter while several war materiel were also recovered, including one Cal. 45 pistol and one improvised shotgun.
Meanwhile, on July 20, remnants of the NPA’s weakened guerilla front, Central Negros 1 of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS) encountered the members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion under 303rd Infantry Brigade of JTF Spear at Brgy Montilla, Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental. The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes and resulted in the death of two NPA terrorists and the recovery of several war materiel, including one Cal. 45 pistol, one Cal. 357 pistol, and several assorted live ammunition.
Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of Visayas Command (VISCOM) emphasized that “These latest debacles suffered by the CPP-NPA is a testament that your soldiers remain committed to our quest in ending the local communist armed conflict in this part of the country.”
He further emphasized that their efforts will be sustained, especially with the Barangay and SK Elections is fast-approaching, “The Barangay and SK Elections is fast approaching. Rest assured that our focused military operation in the entire Visayas region will continue. We will not allow the CPP-NPA to disrupt the natural flow of the upcoming electoral process by taking advantage of our people and sow threat and fear in the region.”
Lt Gen Arevalo concluded as he reiterates his call to the few remaining members of the terrorist group to return to the folds of the law, “We never take joy in taking the lives of our fellow Filipino. We have warned them numerous times and we will never get tired of doing it. Heed the call of our government, lay down your arms, and return to the folds of the law while you still can.”
