(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Andres Centino said the successful campaign of the 5th Infantry Division against the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) has brought progress and peace to communities in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera.
"With the active participation of the Star Division in our whole of nation approach, the people of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region felt significant economic progress, as well as peace and security in their communities," he said in a statement Wednesday.
Centino also recognized the 5th Infantry Division (Star Troopers) for their recent achievements, particularly the employment of game changer assets against CTGs in Cagayan.
"The 5th Infantry Division's conduct of focused military operations and effective coordination with other law enforcement agencies resulted in significant gains against the enemy," the AFP chief added.
It also liberated 117 areas from the influence of communist terrorists; dismantled four guerrilla fronts; and neutralized 950 personalities, 18 of which were high-value individuals.
The 5th Infantry Division also facilitated the withdrawal of support of 488 former communist sympathizers, recovery of 204 firearms, and the re-orientation of five former CTG-supportive organizations.
"The achievements of Star Troopers were possible given the avid support of our stakeholders who share our common goal of attaining genuine peace and inclusive progress," Centino said. (PNA)
