VisCom neutralizes 32 NPA members

Nineteen communist rebels returned to the fold of the law and surrendered 22 firearms, while 13 were killed in encounters

Government troops in the Visayas have continued to deal the New People’s Army (NPA) losses in available armed combatants with 32 of its members “neutralized” this month.

Of the 32, 19 returned to the fold of the law and surrendered 22 firearms, while 13 were killed in encounters, with three of the fatalities coming from Samar and 10 from Negros Island.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday lauded its Visayas Command (VisCom) for its operations, including one in Sitio Natuling, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday.

A firefight between the 62nd Infantry Battalion and the NPA members under Central Negros 1 of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) resulted in the death of the three rebels.

Lt. Gen. Robert Dauz, VisCom commander, thanked the troops for their unwavering commitment to enforcing the Rule of Law while “at the same time anchoring the rule of love in the performance of their mandate.”

Dauz, likewise, attributed the recent success of the operations against the terrorist group to the strong support from the people in the NPA-infiltrated areas in the Visayas.

He vowed that security forces in the Visayas region will continue to fight the terrorism perpetrated by the communist rebels. He urged members of the NPA to heed the call of the government for unity and to surrender their firearms in exchange for a fresh start to a peaceful life.

“Follow the lead of your former comrades who are now living a progressive life with their families. Lay down your arms, abandon your armed struggle, and return to the folds of the law while you still can,” he added.

Surrenderees were given livelihood opportunities and now reaping the benefits of the government services.