ILOILO City – The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) had 29 encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island from Feb. 9, 2023 to Feb. 14, 2024.
Data from the 3ID, through the 301st Infantry Brigade, showed that most of the clashes transpired in Iloilo province with 21; five were in Capiz, two in Aklan, and one in Antique.
During the encounters, 31 firearms were recovered, including 15 high-powered and 16 low-powered. Five more were surrendered.
In one year, 113 former rebels received cash assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program. Of them, 82 received immediate assistance of P15,000 each with a total of P1,230,000; 28 received livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each with a total of P1.4 million; and three rebels received firearm remuneration with a total of P86,000.
According to Brigadier General Michael Samson, 301st Brigade Commander, these accomplishments showed that the government is indeed willing to assist former rebels live a normal life.
Samson, who served the brigade for a year, claimed the government forces were winning the ground against the rebels.
“This data showed that ang ating gobyerno ay handang tumulong sa mga rebelde na mag-surrender. As of now, maliit na ang pangkat nila dahil marami na nag-surrender at nahuli. Most of them nagtatago nalang sa mga mountainous areas,” Samson said.
He added, “We already neutralized their man and firepower, but we have to exert more efforts to pursue them if they continue to fight. But we are still open for those who want to surrender.”/PN
