2 Negros NPA guerrilla fronts dismantled

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) has dismantled two New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in Negros.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, 3rd ID spokesman, said they dismantled the southeast and northern Negros Fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

With about 60 fighters composing a guerrilla front, Pancito said the strength of the NPA on Negros island is down to only 15 fighters.

He said 84 remote communities in Western and Central Visayas have also been declared free of communist rebels.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3rd ID commander, said they also facilitated the surrender of NPA guerrillas and supporters.

From January to April 28, the 3rd ID conducted 57 operations that resulted in the killing of 15 NPA rebels and arrest of 22 others as well as the recovery of 24 high-powered firearms.