CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City, Philippines – The number of communist rebels in Southern Tagalog continues to drop, a military official said yesterday.
“We continue to win the trust and confidence of the people. The social pressure resulted in the capture and arrest of many top NPA (New People’s Army) leaders, successful military operations and surrenders in Southern Tagalog and Bicol the past few years,” Southern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.
He said there are only 270 rebel-infested barangays this year, down from 386 in 2011.
Visayas also cited the recent arrest of two suspected NPA leaders – Southern Tagalog secretary Dionisio lmonte, alias Inol, and Sorsogon NPA chief Florentino Pura, alias Soling.
“We should continue reducing the strength of the NPA and other armed groups,” he said.