• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has shifted to combat operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Negros Island after performing election-related duties and extending assistance to the police during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of 3ID Public Affairs Office, said they have not recorded any election-related violent incident in Negros, Panay and other areas of Visayas.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, congratulated all the Army infantry units for the successful conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“The success of BSKE 2023 is a testament to your true character, excellent service, professionalism and high standard of discipline. Thus, we were able to smoothly execute what we had planned and prepared for, ensuring the peaceful exercise of people’s right to suffrage. Once again, we proved our worth as the protector of the constitution,” Sison said.
He ordered commanders to redirect their focus to counterinsurgency operations.
“Let’s move forward to dismantle the remaining guerrilla fronts. This ensures that we do not allow the NPA to create a breathing space and recover,” the 3ID chief said.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79th Infantry Battalion based in northern Negros, said that while performing election duties, their focused military operations against NPA remnants did not stop.
Two NPA leaders recently died in an encounter with 79IB soldiers in Barangay Canlusong, E.B. Magalona. | GB
