• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete declared on Friday, March 13 that there are no longer active New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts across the country, only rebel remnants.
Nafarrete, who visited the 303rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said that while they are now shifting to external defense, they are not abandoning internal security operations (ISO) yet.
For decades, the Philippine Army has been heavily engaged in counterinsurgency campaigns.
The sustained military operations and the whole-of-nation approach toward ending the country’s insurgency problem have reportedly brought down the number of active NPA guerrilla front to zero.
Nafarrete said the transition to external defense posture is anchored on the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which serves as the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ blueprint for external defense.
“As we shift to territorial defense, the Army’s primary role is to protect our land,” he added.
While the Philippine Army managed to dismantle all the five guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, rebel remnants have resorted to killing civilians they alleged as military spies.
Military reports indicated that more than 30 civilians were killed since March last year.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is also being readied to handle the ISO.
Nafarrete said the Philippine Army will also help in the ISO campaign of the PNP.
The Philippine Army is marking its 129th founding anniversary on March 19.
Nafarrete said they will honor various stakeholders who supported the Philippine Army in terms of community development and training of their personnel.
Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, Nafarrete also visited the 302nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. | GB
