Army's 3ID: We're right on track in toppling insurgency
 Division Public Affairs Office, Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz - By
all indications, the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) is on
its way towards accomplishing its mission to topple insurgency to an
insignificant level by the end of June, the deadline given by President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Since the instruction was given, 3ID chief Major Gen. Vicente Porto said
that "we have been continuously following the directive to meet the task
at hand."
On top of that, Porto said that they have the accomplishments to prove
that the insurgency in the islands of Panay and Negros will be brought
to an inconsequential level by June 30.
Stressing that they have attained their goal, the 3ID chief explained
that "being irrelevant does not mean that we would totally wipe out the
opposition or the NPA rebels. As I’ve said, by being irrelevant, they
have lost their will to fight. Sila ay nagla-lie-low at sila'y halos
hindi na nanggugulo."
Based on the parameters set by the higher headquarters, there are other
areas within the 3ID jurisdiction that depict that the rebels have lost
their will to fight. "In some other areas, marami na ang nag lie low,"
Porto said.
Yet more proof, he added, was the increasing number of applicants in the
government's Social Integration Program (SIP).
The SIP is a project initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to support the AFP's efforts through its
Balik-Baril program and aims to provide former rebels with the needed
resources to reintegrate themselves within the mainstream populace.
Those who avail of the program will receive a cash reward for their
surrendered firearms, undergo a Livelihood Skills training Seminar, and
receive Livelihood Benefits in Capital Goods worth P50,000 each.
"Ibig sabihin, marami ang nag-su-surrender. So, I think we’re on the
right track," Porto said.
As it is, the 3ID chief said that the June 30, 2010 is very much
attainable.
"At least here in our area, nararating na natin. Hindi man natin naubos
but the indications are there... may mga nag-su-surrender, may mga
nawawalan ng will to fight at meron ding nag la-lie-low. Those are
indications that we are on the right track na nagagawa namin 'yung
iniatas sa amin na maging irrelevant sila by end of June," he said.
With the reports of the alleged split-up in the leadership of the
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), Porto is hopeful that it will
contribute greatly to the rebels' eventual disbandment.
Focused areas
Following the acknowledgment of the provinces of Aklan and Guimaras as
insurgency-free, the Army said that it won't be long before other areas
will also be declared.
For now, there are only a few areas in Iloilo which are being tightly
watched for the presence of rebels, Porto said.
"Ang Capiz, ang area na lang ng Tapaz, Dumarao, Maayon, and Cuartero. Sa
Antique, isa na lang ang aming binabantayan, ang San Remigio. So,
pagkatapos naming mag concentrate, ang 301st Brigade, pag nag-focus sa
mga areas na 'yan in the succeeding months, sigurado na mapapabilis
natin ang pagsunod sa instructions na ibinigay sa atin ni Presidente,"
he added.
As to the existing guerrilla fronts, Porto is confident that it could be
diminished in 2010.
"Actually, we are studying some fronts in 3rd Division area and the
outcome was that they have been diminished. We are just validating our
information. There are some areas in Negros and also in Panay," he
added.
Dramatic drop
Based on the statistics covering the period 2007-2010, Porto noted a big
drop in the rebels' number.
There is also a remarkable decline in the number of firearms and
rebel-affected barangays in the region. "Kung titingnan natin, mula
January hanggang June, sasabihin natin na maliit pero baka may law of
diminishing return, so natuto na rin silang umiwas. Natuto na rin silang
maghanap ng lugar kung saan sila ay safe but there is a sudden drop," he
said.
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