• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army will remain in Negros, even after the island will soon be placed under a stable internal peace and security (SIPS) status, Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander said on Wednesday, May 15.
Escanillas said a SIPS status would be a key factor in boosting the province’s economic growth as it sends a signal to business entrepreneurs to invest in the province due to the relatively peaceful situation.
The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is coordinating with Malacañang on the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the declaration of Negros Island under a SIPS status.
Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have recommended their respective provinces to be placed under a SIPS status.
When Marcos visited the 3ID headquarters in Jamindan, Capiz late last year, he vowed to return to personally declare the SIPS status of Negros Island, Edralin said.
An area may qualify to be placed under a SIPS status if all the existing rebel guerrilla fronts and its front organizations have been dismantled, former rebel-controlled barangays have remained cleared, support to armed group from white to red areas has been cut off, and an integrated territorial defense system has been established.
The NPA in Negros, including its Regional Strike Force, has already been reduced to “insignificant number”, Edralin said.
He noted that the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijior has not conducted any tactical offensive in the past year and a half against the government forces.
“They can run, but they cannot hide,” Edralin said.
In terms of law enforcement and internal security operations (ISO), Escanillas said there will be a gradual turnover of ISO from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Philippine National Police (PNP) since a SIPS declaration would mean the local government units and the PNP will spearhead the anti-insurgency efforts in their areas.
The continued presence of Army troops in Negros Island is also aimed at avoiding the resurgence of NPA, which had taken place in the middle of 1990s. | GB
