PILI, Camarines Sur – The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) neutralized more than 2,100 members and supporters of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) across the Bicol Region for the past two years under the Marcos administration.
During Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at Camp Angeles Elias here, 9ID Commander Maj. Gen. Noe Alberto Peñafiel said from June 30, 2022, to Aug. 13 this year, they conducted 136 internal security operations in the six provinces of Bicol.
Peñafiel said out of the 2,174 neutralized, 60 were killed, 23 were captured during the encounters, 47 were arrested and 478 surrendered.
Meanwhile, 1,566 supporters of CTGs withdrew their support while 452 assorted firearms and 419 anti-personnel mines were also seized.
Peñafiel said they are focused on some areas in the provinces of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur (4th District), Albay (3rd District) and Masbate.
"That's where the movement is but they still have an area they're circling. That's where we're focusing on," he said.
Peñafiel said the cooperation of the communities plays a big role in their success in combating insurgency, especially the dismantling of three of five targeted guerilla units.
When he assumed his post on Aug. 5, he told the division they would focus on WIN: work as a team, innovate for the campaign and nurture peace and preparedness for defense.
"The 9ID focuses its efforts on giving the final push for internal security operations. The command will continue to conduct focused military operations, combining intelligence, combat, and civil-military operations to swiftly neutralize the threat posed by the remaining armed groups in the region," he said. (PNA)
