THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) maintains its presence in the highlands despite the absence of monitored New People’s Army (NPA) Guerilla Fronts.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps Media Briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Eastmincom Spokesperson Maj. Salvacion Evangelista reported four encounters resulting in the arrest of five NPA members as of July 30, 2024.
Evangelista also disclosed that 45 former NPA rebels have surrendered within the same period, and their benefits are currently being processed.
These figures are solely from areas under the jurisdiction of Eastmincom’s 4th Infantry Division.
The command’s data also reveals no active guerrilla fronts, a decrease in NPA manpower to 269, and a total of 286 firearms remaining, primarily within the Joint Task Force Diamond (JTFD) or 4th Infantry Division area.
Evangelista emphasized EastMinCom’s ongoing commitment to peace and security efforts in the region and called for continued collaboration with the media to achieve the shared goal of permanent peace and development in the country.
