ILOILO City – Seventy-one members of the New People’s Army (NPA) across Western Visayas were “neutralized” in seven months.
Data from the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) from January to July showed 31 encounters mostly in Negros Occidental.
Nineteen rebels were killed, eight were captured and 44 surrendered to the authorities.
Also during this period, the military recovered 51 firearms.
Of the 51 guns, 33 were low-powered while 18 were high-powered.
“Lagi naka-alerto ang ating mga sundalo, lalo na sa Negros Island. Busy sila sa operations,” said 3ID spokesperson, Captain Kim Apitong.
For his part, 3ID commander, Major General Benedict Arevalo said the encounters were accomplishments of the troops in the anti-insurgency drive.
“We are calling the remaining NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law, or they will end up with the same fate as their comrade who died in the Army’s relentless combat operation against rebels,” Arevalo said./PN
