ANTI-INSURGENCY DRIVE. Maj. Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, reports that 942 communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division from January to December 13, 2019. He attributes the massive surrenders of the NPAs and their supporters to the "whole-of-nation approach" to end local communist armed conflict. (Photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora – A total of 942 communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division from January to December 13 this year as a result of the implementation of the government’s campaign on ending the local communist armed conflict.
Of the figure, 49 are regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA); 58 members of Milisyang Bayan; 47 members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad; and 788 are supporters of the underground mass organization.
Maj. Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th ID, said the massive surrenders of rebels and their supporters could be attributed to the "whole-of-nation approach" strategy the government has adopted, aimed at ending communist armed conflict.
He also cited the efforts of the soldiers with the full support and cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and the people in Central Luzon.
“The accomplishments of our troops only showed that the NPAs have lost the support they were enjoying as it was the local populace themselves who reported their locations to our soldiers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Agustin said 10 NPA rebels were apprehended while three others were killed in action during the same period.
He added that 84 firearms were recovered from the rebels including seven from combat operations, 32 confiscated and 45 that were surrendered by the communist rebels and their supporters.
Agustin called on the remaining members of the NPA and their supporters to take the peaceful path to change.
“I am again calling the attention of the NPA members to return to their families and surrender to the government. There is no reason for us to fight. Let us help the country heal its wounds instead. But if you insist in threading the path of armed struggle, I assure you that we will come hard on you,” he added.
The 7ID’s area of responsibility covers Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 3 (Central Luzon), Abra, Besao and Tadian in Mountain Province, and Alfonso Castaneda in Nueva Vizcaya. (PNA)
