NPA strength down 49 percent in Panay, Negros – AFP
MANILA, Philippines - The strength of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the islands of Panay and Negros is down to 49 percent in the first quarter of the year, a military official said yesterday.
“The CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA is no longer a force to reckon with, with its dwindling number,†said 3rd Infantry Division (ID) commanding officer Major Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr.
Records of the 3rd ID showed that from only 15 in 2010, the number of rebel returnees increased to 88 in 2011 and 87 in 2012.
“The CPP-NPA is losing its mass base support. Many return to the mainstream of society and start a new life,†Mabanta said.
“In the spirit of bayanihan, we will continue to work together and even harder with the local communities, local government units, local government agencies, civil society organizations and all other stakeholders in putting an end to insurgency in Panay and Negros,†he added.
He said two NPA guerrillas also surrendered early this year while two of its ranking members were arrested and charged with murder, arson and physical injuries.
Mabanta said more NPA rebels are expected to surrender given the hardship that they have been experiencing in the mountains.
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