Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – Geared towards pursuing the remnants of the CPP-NPA in the Visayas after clearing all NPA-infested communities in the region last year, the Visayas Command (VISCOM) continues to deliver crushing blows to the terrorist group in January of the current year.
“We may have cleared all NPA-infested communities in the Visayas and dismantled all its mass bases in the region, but still we can’t afford to be complacent. There are still remnants of the NPA terrorists that we must pursue, for they remain to be a threat to peace and stability in the region and still capable of sowing fear and terror to our people,” Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA emphasized.
It was revealed that in January this year, 20 focused military operations were launched, resulting in ten (10) government-initiated armed encounters, a staggering 50% hit factor in VISCOM’s campaign against the CPP-NPA.
Lt Gen Arevalo expressed that the high percentage in the hit factor of its focused military operation against the CPP-NPA was brought about by the active support of the people, “Having realized the sincerity of the government in addressing the issues and concerns of the community through the projects and programs of NTF ELCAC, our people remain very active in supporting our campaign. They continue to provide us with credible information that often led to either successful negotiations to surrender or successful armed encounters against the few remaining members of the terrorist group in the region.”
It was further disclosed that for the said period, a total of 13 NPA terrorists were neutralized, five (5) of whom returned to the folds of the law, five (5) died during encounters, and three (3) were apprehended. Likewise, 14 firearms and two (2) anti-personnel mines were also seized by the government troops.
Lt Gen Arevalo concluded as he pledged that their efforts against the CPP-NPA will never waver and urged the few remaining members of the terrorist group to return to the folds of the law, “Our internal security operation will never waver, as we remain highly committed to sustaining the democratic way of life and ensuring the well-being of our people in the Visayas region. As for the remnants of the CPP-NPA, we urge you to choose the path of peace, lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law while you still can.”
