NPA strength continues to decline – military

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MILITARY authorities in Eastern Visayas have predicted the strength of the New People's Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas will continue to decline following the recovery of assorted high-powered firearms in the hinterlands in Hindang, Leyte.

Army Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief public affairs of 8th Infantry Division, said the cache of firearms discovered in Barangay Mahilum, Hindang town, is considered a significant blow to the NPA in Eastern Visayas (Region 8).

Mariano said the assorted guns were deliberately concealed and abandoned by NPA fighters following their surrender to authorities.

The cache of arms consists of an M60 machine gun, M16 rifle and M14 rifle, marking other significant gains of the military relentlessly fighting the projected collapse of the communist movement.

Joint troops from the 14th Infantry "Avenger" Battalion and the 93rd Infantry "Bantay Kapayapaan" Battalion of the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army, discovered the arms cache in the hinterlands of Barangay Mahilum, Hindang, Leyte, on Jan. 11.

This success is attributed to the Philippine Army's continued implementation of key programs that have encouraged communist terrorist group (CTG) members to surrender and weakened the group's operational capabilities.

Mariano said the 802nd Infantry Brigade launched Project Levox (Living a Life that Embraces Peace and Development through Values and Reconciliation that will Overcome Fear, Hatred and Expand the Culture of Peace). The program has played a pivotal role in locating remaining CTG members and dismantling their influence in the region.

In addition, the FReE Families Program actively engages the families and friends of CTG members, urging their surrender and providing pathways for reintegration into society.

Since January 2024, troops from the 8th Infantry Division have participated in 93 armed encounters across Eastern Visayas.

These operations have resulted in the neutralization of 41 CTG members, including two high-value individuals and six key leaders. Troops also recovered 75 firearms, 48 antipersonnel mines (prohibited under International Humanitarian Law) and seized 143 NPA lairs, along with additional weapons and arms caches.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, credited the success to former members of CTG who shared crucial information under Project Levox.

"The families of our Friends Rescued have shown their commitment to support our efforts to end the local communist armed conflict. Their encouragement for loved ones to cooperate with the government is a testament to the trust and confidence inspired by our FReE Families Program," Vestuir said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, praised the ongoing efforts to address insurgency in the region.

"This achievement underscores our progress in eradicating insurgency and dismantling its networks. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver lasting peace to Region 8. The people deserve to live without fear, and we are committed to making this a reality," Orio said.

He further urged the remaining CTG members to surrender, "I call on all remaining CTG members to lay down your arms. The government is prepared to help you reintegrate into society and address your concerns. Together, we can build a peaceful and prosperous future."