• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As they support the joint statement of the Philippine government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for a peaceful resolution of armed conflict, the Philippine Army said it appreciates the exploratory talks with “guarded optimism”.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, in a statement, said that while the NDFP pursues peaceful means to resolve and address social reforms, they also expect the remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to lay down their arms and follow its lead.
Galido described the exploratory talks as a significant breakthrough, which symbolizes the collective efforts of all sectors of the society.
While there is no final peace framework, he said the Philippine Army would still continue its efforts to sustain the gains in internal security operations (ISO) by dismantling the weakened guerilla fronts and neutralizing the remaining armed groups.
In Negros Island, the remaining Central Negros 1 and South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor have been classified by the 3rd Infantry Division as “weakened” guerilla fronts, with the deaths and surrender of many of their members, as a result of intensified focused military operations of the 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades. | GB
