ILOILO – The New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island has reportedly dwindled to just nine active members amid internal divisions and leadership problems, the Philippine Army disclosed following the surrender of a former rebel who led government troops to a hidden arms cache in Leon, Iloilo.
Lieutenant Colonel Jekyll Julian D. Dulawan, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB), said information gathered from former rebels suggested that the remaining communist insurgents were struggling to maintain their ranks and organizational leadership.
“They are reportedly experiencing internal divisions and leadership challenges, with an estimated strength of only nine active NPA,” Dulawan said.
The disclosure came as the military reported another breakthrough in its counterinsurgency campaign following the surrender of alias “Dandan,” 47, a former finance and logistics officer of the dismantled Puregold Platoon under the Southern Panay Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.
“Dandan” surrendered to the 61IB at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo, around 3 p.m. on October 11.
He turned over a 12-gauge Akkar Charles Daly shotgun with a defaced serial number and three live cartridges.
More significantly, the former rebel disclosed the location of a concealed arms cache in Barangay Bucari, Leon, enabling government troops to recover ammunition magazines and an explosive device the following day, October 12.
The recovered materials included 45 magazines for M16 rifles, a Type C anti-personnel mine or improvised explosive device (IED), and a detonator.
Soldiers also discovered two backpacks containing personal belongings, a Bagong Hukbong Bayan sweatshirt, assorted medical supplies, an NPA song booklet, Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary postcards, and a hammock.
The discovery highlighted the continuing presence of concealed rebel supplies in the province despite the military’s reported gains against the communist insurgency.
Dulawan said the latest surrender demonstrated the importance of persuading remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and cooperate with government peace initiatives.
He renewed his appeal for the remaining communist rebels in Panay to lay down their weapons and return to mainstream society.
The Army commander also emphasized that improving security conditions were creating opportunities for economic development, particularly in communities previously affected by insurgency.
“The improving peace and order situation in Iloilo has also opened opportunities for tourism, livelihood, and economic development,” Dulawan said.
He cited the Maguey Café Project in Tubungan, Iloilo, as an example of how peacebuilding efforts could generate livelihood opportunities for former rebels, Indigenous Peoples and other community members.
The community-driven agri-ecotourism initiative involves cooperation among local government units, national government agencies and the private sector to promote community empowerment and economic development.
Dulawan maintained that peaceful reintegration offered remaining insurgents an opportunity to rebuild their lives while contributing to the development of their communities.
Meanwhile, the 61IB said Dandan remained under military custody for debriefing and appropriate disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
The battalion pledged to continue coordinating with government agencies and local communities to sustain peace and security throughout Panay./PN
