CEBU, Philippines - There has been a significant decrease in the strength of the New People’s Army in the islands of Panay and Negros, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said.
Records from the 3rd ID revealed that the NPA strength went down to 49 percent, as of the first quarter of this year, from 444 members in 2010.
Major Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr., commander of the 3rd ID, said: “Contrary to what it has been trying to project, the CPP-NPA is no longer a force to reckon with due to its dwindling number.â€
Last year, 87 rebels went back to the folds of the government while 13 others were arrested with warrants. “The CPP-NPA is losing its mass base support while their ranks continue to go back to the mainstream of society and start a new life,†Mabanta said.
In the 1st quarter of this year, two NPA members surrendered to authorities while two top ranking officials were arrested and charged with cases of murder, arson and physical injuries.
However, despite the decrease in NPA’s number, Mabanta admitted there are still a lot of things to be done in putting an end to the insurgency in Panay and Negros islands.
More NPA members are expected to go down as feelers to surrender have reached this headquarters, Mabanta added. (FREEMAN)