Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – As the year is about to culminate, the Visayas Command (VISCOM) sustains victory against the CPP-NPA in the Visayas region.
Following the conduct of its Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA), it was revealed that from October 01 to date, 38 government-initiated armed encounters transpired throughout the Visayas region. These encounters significantly contributed in the reduction of both the manpower and armed capability of the terrorist group, with a total of 125 NPA terrorists neutralized for the period; 81 of whom in Eastern Visayas while 44 in Western and Central Visayas.
Of the 125 NPAs neutralized, 12 of whom died during encounters; six (6) in Eastern Visayas and six (6) in Western Visayas. Likewise, 113 returned to the folds of the law; 75 in Eastern Visayas and 38 in Western and Central Visayas.
During the period, a total of 102 firearms and 28 anti-personnel mines were also seized by the government troops.
“The CPP-NPA in the Visayas region is now on the verge of defeat. Hence, we will continue to be relentless and will never hold back. As we intend that this menace in our society, which have been causing pain and suffering to our people will further weaken to a point where they can no longer recover ,” Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM emphasized.
The severe loss of manpower and armed capability of the terrorist group led to the dismantling of four (4) guerilla fronts in the Visayas region this year. As concurred by the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC), the Front Committee 2 of Sub-Regional Committee Emporium was declared dismantled on June 22; Front 3 of Sub-Regional Committee Arctic was declared dismantled on August 24; and the most recent, Front Committee 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Emporium and Front 15 of Sub-Regional Committee Arctic which were both officially declared dismantled on November 22.
“We have achieved so much in our fight against terrorism. We have protected our people, sustained the peace, fostered development, and preserved the democratic way of life in the Visayas region. But we are not done yet, there’s still so much that needs to be done. With the help of our people, the support from the local government and other partner agencies, we will continue the fight and will keep up the momentum,” Lt Gen Arevalo added.
He then concluded as he urged the remnants of the CPP-NPA to return to the folds of the law, “You are fighting a losing cause. Every move you make could be your last. Lay down your arms now and return to the folds of the law. Christmas is fast-approaching. Imagine your family, they will be so much happier to celebrate the holiday with you.”
