CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – In an unprecedented turn of events, three infantry brigades under the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division achieved remarkable feats against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) through focused and intelligence-driven military operations in Negros, Bohol and Panay islands in just eight days.
From February 21 to 28, 2024, the three brigades delivered a significant blow against the CTG in said areas, resulting in the neutralization of 12 CTG personalities and the seizure of 32 firearms, including 24 high-powered and eight low-powered guns.
Three out of the 12 neutralized NPAs were killed in a series of encounters in Negros Island, five in Bohol Island, and four in Panay Island. Among the 32 high and low-powered firearms seized, 20 were in Negros, seven in Bohol, and five in Panay.
On February, 21, 22, and 27, the nine consecutive encounters involving the 303rd Infantry Brigade through its 79th Infantry Battalion against the remnants of the Northern Negros Front (NNF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), erupted in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
This decisive engagement of the 303rd Infantry Brigade yielded three dead NPAs and 20 firearms, including 16 high-powered and four low-powered weapons.
Two days after the series of encounters in Negros Occidental from February 21 and 22, the combined elements of the 302nd Infantry Brigade through its 47th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police launched a Joint Enhanced Military Police Operation (JEMPO) against the remnants of the Bohol Party Committee on February 23. The said operation resulted in the death of five NPAs, including its top leader Domingo Compoc alias Silong, who is wanted for a string of criminal charges, including rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, theft, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery. Three high-powered and four low-powered guns were also seized by the government forces during the said encounter. This major engagement of the 47IB and the PNP crippled the recovery team of the CTG in Bohol.
The day after the 9th encounter between the 303rd Brigade and the remnants of NNF in Escalante City on February 27, the 301st Infantry Brigade through its 61st Infantry Battalion also scored a big blow against the Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (SPF KR-Panay) on February 28 in the hinterlands of Barangays Lomboyan and Torocadan, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
This major engagement of the 301st Infantry Brigade resulted in the death of four NPAs, wounding of one and seizure of five high-powered weapons.
Aside from firearms, various war materiel, including explosives and voluminous ammunition were likewise captured by the operating troops from the encounter sites in the said three areas.
As the leadership of the 3ID recognized the crucial role of the local government units, stakeholders, and the people of Negros, Bohol, and Panay islands for these noteworthy achievements, it also underscored the strategic combination of key factors.
Firstly, Intelligence-Driven Operations have been integral in attaining these feats, utilizing a spectrum of intelligence disciplines such as Imagery Intelligence, Human Intelligence, and Open-Source Intelligence. This approach makes the operations more targeted and effective.
Secondly, a Technological Advantage through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities has been emphasized. This enhances target acquisition, providing the Division with a comprehensive understanding of operational development and enabling precise and informed decision-making.
Thirdly, the Combined Arms Approach has also played a significant role. This approach enables for the 3ID to seamlessly integrate infantry operations with artillery fires, bolstering the effectiveness of ground operations and ensuring a versatile and adaptive response to insurgency challenges.
Lastly, Close Air Support has been highlighted as integral in providing additional firepower. It enhances the overall operational capabilities of the three infantry brigades.
As these factors are strategically combined, the 3ID reinforces its commitment to eradicating insurgency and establishing Stable Internal Peace and Security in Western and Central Visayas.
“Our deliberate planning to end insurgency in Western and Central Visayas, especially in Negros, Bohol, and Panay islands, has paid off. The effectiveness of our Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach through NTF-ELCAC, coupled with the support of the people, has been instrumental in the remarkable achievements of our campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. And, to sustain these gains and neutralize the remnants of CTG in Negros and dismantle the remaining weakened Guerilla Fronts in Panay, there must be no let-up in our Focused Military Operations until we achieve Stable Internal Peace and Security for all Visayan people,” said 3ID Commander Major General Marion R Sison.
