2 Samar provinces free from Reds by yearend

CEBU, Philippines - Before December ends two provinces in Samar will be declared conflict manageable and development-ready, meaning that while communist rebels are still present in the area they can no longer cause any harm to the civilian population.

“Nakikita natin na unti-unti nang nadi-diminsh ang problema natin as far as insurgency. Eleven provinces was declared peaceful and ready for further development and duha ka probinsya sa Samar region under 8th infantry division will be declared ready soon within this year,” said Lieutenant General John Bonafos, Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff.

Bonafos said was here for the 13th founding anniversary of the AFP-Central Command (CentCom) yesterday.

Bonafos also commended the CentCom leadership saying it had great success in the internal peace and security operations and in its humanitarian and disaster response operations after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas.   

Bonafos, who preceded Major General Nicanor Vibar as CentCom Commander, lauded his successor for a job well done.

He said that a lot of changes happened after Vibar assumed his position and added that the AFP is very happy that CentCom was able to win the hearts and minds of the people in the Visayas.

“CentCom is very relevant to the lives of the Visayas people; we still continue to alleviate the situation of the people affected by the super typhoon Yolanda,” Bonafos said.

Vibar also said that CentCom made 32,303 combat operations and these successful tactical engagements resulted in the recovery of 49 assorted firearms and the neutralization 144 rebels, 95 of which surrendered, 38 were apprehended 11 were killed in action.

Vibar said that they have made notable accomplishment with the apprehension of the top Communist Party of the Philippines leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon “which resulted to the vacuum and will to fight of the NPA leaders.” (FREEMAN)