NEARLY a hundred New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters were “neutralized” throughout the country over the past three weeks of the year, the military reported.
During a recent press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 85 of the 92 neutralized rebels and supporters surrendered.
Five others were apprehended and two were killed in military operations, she added.
Padilla said 56 assorted firearms and 12 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered during the operations from January 1 to January 23. Six NPA encampments were also seized.
In the campaign against Islamic militant groups, she said no one was neutralized but a high-powered firearm and two camps were seized.
AFP CHIEF VISITS TROOPS
During a visit to the headquarters of the 9th Infantry Division (ID) in Camarines Sur on Wednesday, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said he is confident the NPA in the Bicol region will soon be defeated.
“With the caliber of our commanders here and the drive and urgency our troops are putting into this mission, I am confident that we can finally end local communist armed conflict and shift greater focus to territorial defense operations,” said Brawner.
AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Brawner, during the visit, cited the importance of the military’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
Trinidad said the defense strategy “seamlessly integrates internal security and territorial defense operations to address evolving security threats.”
ARCHIPELAGIC DEFENSE
“He (Brawner) emphasized the AFP’s mission to conduct comprehensive archipelagic defense operations to safeguard national security across all domains,” said Trinidad.
Trinidad said Brawner also underscored the importance of the 9th ID’s role in securing the upcoming national and local elections in the region.
Brawner also visited troops of the 2nd and 96th infantry battalions in Masbate on Wednesday. He directed the soldiers to finally end the insurgency in the province.
“In 2025, we will continue the good work we have started and maintain our momentum, as there are still remaining armed communist elements in this area,” Brawner told the troops.
MAY ELECTIONS
Brawner visited the two battalions to review their internal security operations and assess the situation ahead of the May elections.
“Let us work together across Masbate to finally neutralize these groups, encourage their surrender, and ensure peace and order, especially with the upcoming elections,” he said
“Stay focused on your mission and do not be swayed by outside distractions,” he added.
Brawner awarded a Gold Cross medal, the third highest military decoration in combat, to a female officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion for playing a key role in the fight against NPA rebels in the province.
He also awarded the Silver Cross medal to two enlisted personnel for their contribution to the anti-insurgency operations.
Brawner “checked on troop morale and commended both battalions for their success in reducing enemy forces through focused military operations conducted in 2024”, said Trinidad.
“Addressing the troops, Gen. Brawner emphasized the importance of unity and readiness as the nation approaches the elections,” said Trinidad.
He said Brawner reiterated the military’s commitment to the CADC and called on the troops “to remain steadfast in their mission as they continue to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.”
