Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – The CPP-NPA in the Visayas region continues to sustain defeat, as Visayas Command (VISCOM) and its subordinate units once again deal the terrorist group a major blow for the month of April.
“We have sustained the momentum and we have achieved significant gains against the CPP-NPA in the region. Our troops are fully committed, and we will never stop until justice is serve to these terrorists who have been terrorizing our peace-loving people for over five decades,” said Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM.
It was revealed that for the month of April alone, 12 government-initiated armed encounters transpired throughout the Visayas region. These encounters led to the neutralization of 20 NPA terrorists and the recovery of 25 firearms. 11 of these NPA terrorists died during armed encounters, three (3) were apprehended, and seven (7) returned to the folds of the law.
Notable of these encounters include the encounter at Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on April 20 which resulted to the death of Rogelio Posadas alias Poten, the Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor and the encounter in Bobon, Northern Samar on April 30, that resulted to the death of seven (7) NPA terrorists and the recovery of four (4) high-powered firearms.
These are apart from the 100 supporters and sympathizers who denounced their support from the terrorist group and pledged their allegiance to the government.
Lt Gen Arevalo also emphasized that “The CPP-NPA in the region are in disarray. They lost several key leaders and have no clear operational direction. The people themselves have spoken. They despise the terrorist group for their lies, deceit, and violent acts. There will be no safe haven for them. They can run but they can never hide. The long arms of justice will eventually catch up with them.”
He ended by reiterating his call to the remnants of the CPP-NPA in the region, saying that “Your leaders have fallen and more of your comrades have returned to the folds of the law. Lay down your arms and abandon your armed struggle while you still can. Answer the call of the government for you to return to mainstream society or suffer the same fate as your comrades who have died in vain.”
