Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command. (PNA file photo)
DAVAO CITY – With the series of surrenders among its ranks, the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region is in a “definitive stage” of collapse, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) reported on Wednesday.
In a statement, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, the Eastmincom commander, noted that Eastmincom units neutralized 10 high-ranking NPA leaders in Bukidnon and Surigao del Norte on Sept. 8 and 10.
“The recent neutralization of NPA leaders in Bukidnon and Surigao del Norte is the result of our relentless collaboration with intelligence units and engagements with their families who long to see them alive and at peace with the government,” Almerol said.
On Sept. 8, nine NPA personalities of the Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, yielded to troopers of the Army’s 403rd Brigade’s 1st Special Forces Battalion in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
Two days after, the joint law enforcement operation of the Army’s 401st Brigade, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard resulted in the arrest of Nenita Dolera, secretary of the NPA Guerilla Front 19, at the port of Surigao City.
Dolera, who has a warrant of arrest for murder, was monitored by authorities to be returning to Surigao City via a fast craft vessel from Leyte before her arrest.
"Once again, we call other NPA remnants to surrender and live peacefully with their families," Almerol said.
He also urged the remaining NPA members to avail of government livelihood packages through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
"The government program is here to assist you on your second chance in life,” Almerol added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The National Democratic Front was formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
