The CPP – NPA in the Visayas region suffers a series of setbacks to start the new year, according to AFP Visayan Command
VISCOM disclosed that from January 1 to 10, 2023, five communist NPA terrorists were already neutralized by the government forces while capturing 13 firearms.
Two of the neutralized NPA terrorists died during encounters. One died in a 5-minute firefight between members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and members of the Communist NPA Terrorist under Central Negros 1 (CN1) of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS) at Sitio Banderahan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on January 10. One Cal. .45 pistol was recovered in the possession of the neutralized NPA terrorist.
Likewise, on January 9, another NPA terrorist died in an encounter with the members of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (NOCPMFC) at Sitio Maliko-liko, Bgy Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental. Said NPA terrorist is a member of Central Negros 2 (CN2) of the KR NCBS.
Several war materiel were recovered during the said encounter which includes: one M14 Rifle; one M4 Rifle; one M79 Grenade Launcher; two M16 Rifles; one Rifle Grenade; seven M14 magazines with live ammunition; one M4 magazine with live ammunition; four 40mm high-explosive grenades; two bandoliers; NPA flag; personal belongings, and several subversive documents.
Meanwhile, the other three NPA terrorists were neutralized through a joint law enforcement operation launched by the 79th Infantry Battalion, Special Action Battalion 6, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 at Brgy Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on January 6.
They are remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) under Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR NCBS). Recovered in their possession are two Cal. 45 pistols, one 9mm pistol, magazines with live ammunition, four rifle grenades, cash and personal belongings.
One Felix Susas Jr., with aliases Rigor, Kenneth, Glemore, and Dapin, has pending arrest warrants for murder, homicide, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Human Security Act of 2007. He was responsible for the murder of Lalong barangay chairman Benjamin Javoc in August 26 last year, and that of Renato Estrebillo in the same month, in Brgy. Marcelo, all in Calatrava.
On January 5, following the information provided by a former rebel, members of the 14th Infantry Battalion recovered an arms cache of the NPA at Brgy Maligaya, Mahaplag, Leyte. The arms cache contained one AK47 Assault Rifle, one M16 Rifle, one M1 Garand Rifle, one M79 Grenade Launcher, and assorted magazines.
Major General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Acting Commander of Visayas Command (VISCOM) lauded the government troops for their unwavering commitment in sustaining the gains against the terrorist group, saying that “These series of debacles suffered by the CPP – NPA manifest your soldier’s utmost dedication and steadfast commitment to defeat the CPP – NPA and swiftly serve justice to those whom they terrorized.”
MGen Arevalo added by urging the few remaining members of the CPP – NPA in the Visayas region to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, saying “The long arms of justice will eventually catch up with you. We will never stop, and we will never falter in our commitment to win the peace for the people in the Visayas. Lay down your arms now and return to the folds of the law while you still can.” (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
