Philippine Army to rid NIR of insurgency next year

CEBU, Philippines - The newly created Negros Island Region, or Region 18, will be free from insurgency in 2016.

This was the assurance made by Major General Rey Leonard Guerrero, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, when he was the guest of honor for the 39th founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Major Nelson Gerona in Murcia town of Negros Oriental.

Guerrero said the higher command of the Philippine Army wanted the entire Negros island “insurgency-free” after its two provinces — Occidental and Oriental —were declared early this year as peaceful and ready for further development.

“Our target date would be in the middle of next year,” Guerrero said, adding that this is “doable” considering the dwindling number of rebels in the Negros region, which is now at 200 out of 4,000 nationwide.

The military can achieve this goal with the help of the communities and the support of local government units and their officials, said Guerrero. “These lawless elements will realize the futility of the armed struggle, as the only solution is to embrace reforms and programs offered by the government, and reunite with their families.”

Meanwhile, the proposal to have a one military command under the new region is still being studied, he added. — (FREEMAN)