THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) highlighted its major accomplishment from January to September 2023, including cutting the rebel group’s strength from 2,000 to 407.
During the AFP- PNP Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Oct. 11,
Lieutenant Colonel Ma. Cristina Manuel, the newly designated EastMinCom spokesperson, said their units were able to dismantle the New People’s Army’s five sub-regional committees, nine guerilla fronts, five NPA vertical units, and two independent platoons.
The EastMinCom also neutralized 20 communist terrorist leaders and 337 NPA members. Of the number, 218 NPA fighters surrendered, eight were captured, 32 were killed, and 139 Militia ng Bayan members surrendered.
Manuel said the NPA current force is 407 from 2,241 in 2017. They also estimated the number of firearms at around 410 from 1,721 in 2017. The EastMinCom is still confronting four remaining guerilla fronts in its jurisdiction.
“These four guerilla fronts are operating in the area of the 4th Infantry Division particularly in Caraga although there are some parts in 10th ID and we have a timeline to dismantle all of this,” she said.
“We also need the continuous support of the local government unit, civil society, and non-government organizations in terms of sustainable programs in the community,” she added.
Eastmincom will be commemorating the first year of the declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free this Oct. 12.
“With this, Lt Gen Greg Almerol [EastMinCom chief] would like to commend the collective efforts and commitment of Joint Task Force Agila and Joint Task Force Diamond and Haribon and assure that there will be no resurgence (of the NPA),” she said.
