By MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Philippine Army has declared the communist insurgency in Panay Island nearly extinguished, with only “20 or less” armed New People’s Army (NPA) members still active across the island.
The once formidable armed movement is now a mere remnant, weakened by sustained military operations, surrenders, and defections, said Lieutenant Colonel Jekyll Julian Dulawan, commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB).
“Yung numbers nila nasa 20 na lang o mas mababa sa 20. Buong Panay na ‘yun. Pababa ng pababa na sila. ‘Yung iba hindi pa nag-surrender, lumabas lang, pero binilang pa rin natin. ‘Yung iba may tinago pa, may nilibing,” Dulawan told Panay News.
He expressed confidence that Panay Island would soon achieve insurgency-free status.
“Isipin niyo, konti na lang sila. Napakagandang balita na eventually wala nang mga armed group,” said Dulawan.
Pockets of resistance remain
According to Dulawan, the remaining NPA cadres are scattered in Antique and Tapaz, Capiz but their capacity is only a fraction of the past.
“Umabot sa Antique side at saka umabot diyan sa Tapaz. Kung tignan niyo, malakas pa. Pero kun i-compare niyo sa dati na mga grupo dito sa Panay, ngayon ‘yan na lang sila natitira. Nabawasan pa. May nagsu-surrender,” he said.
Communities turning away from rebels
The battalion credited not only military pressure but also government presence and community gains in weakening the insurgents’ support network.
“Diyan sa Tapaz, marami silang grupo na nagbibigay sa kanila ng pagkain kaya nabubuhay sila. Remnants na lang sila, ilan na lang sila diyan. Andiyan sila kasi diyan sila nabubuhay,” said Dulawan.
Those in Tapaz, he added, would find it difficult to join forces with the rebels in Antique.
“Alanganin sila na pumunta sa Antique side. Alam nila na iba sa kanila hindi na supportado. Nasa government ang support,” Dulawan emphasized, citing better roads, services, and grassroots acceptance as critical to eroding NPA influence.
Millions in aid for ex-rebels
Since 2019, the 61IB said it has facilitated P7,621,432 in government assistance for former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The breakdown includes P2,175,000 in immediate aid for 145 ex-rebels; P2,150,000 in livelihood support for 42; P251,432 for firearms remuneration for 20; and P3,045,000 in reintegration assistance for 145.
Dulawan underscored persuasion as the core of their campaign: “This effort is to encourage them to surrender. If we can’t convince them to surrender, then they will continue to operate and recruit.”
He added: “We try to convince their family members — they are not all enemies; many are victims of misleading propaganda.”
Push for ‘peace without armed groups’
Covering Iloilo’s 1st and 2nd districts, Antique, and Guimaras, the 61IB continues its two-pronged approach: relentless military pressure coupled with reintegration support.
“We are focused on continuous military operations, but also on encouraging surrender and reintegration. The goal is clear: peace without armed groups,” Dulawan declared.
Early this week, the Philippine Army disclosed that a ranking commander of the NPA in Panay, wounded in a recent clash with government forces in Tapaz, has surrendered and is now receiving hospital treatment.
Alias “Mego”, 31, a native of Igbaras, Iloilo and commanding officer of NPA Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay’s Regional Headquarters, yielded to the 301st Infantry Brigade on September 26 in Barangay Lagdungan, Tapaz after sustaining a gunshot wound in his left foot during an encounter in Barangay Katipunan.
Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, underscored the humane approach of soldiers in dealing with surrendering rebels.
“We help the wounded not as proof that soldiers are committed not to harm, but to help those who decide to surface, a human being who needs treatment,” Patricio said.
He emphasized that the military campaign is not limited to combat.
“Towards peace, healing, and reconciliation the returnees like alias ‘Mego’ will be provided with assistance and full access to government reintegration programs,” he added.
The recent series of clashes in Tapaz between Army forces and NPA remnants resulted in the neutralization of three rebels.
Major General Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, lauded Mego’s decision to give up the armed struggle.
“This is the best decision alias Mego has made, not only for himself, but for his family who longs for his love and care. The government is more than willing to help and provide proper medical treatment to those who go back to mainstream society,” Samson said.
He further appealed to other insurgents to follow suit: “I call on the remaining members of the rebels, especially those who are wounded, to do the same. Heal not only your physical wounds, but also the deeper wounds inflicted by years of suffering in the armed struggle, the misery of life inside the group, and the pain you’ve caused your families.”/PN
