By Rhoda Grace Saron (PNA)
DAVAO CITY — The strength of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the Davao Region is down to four guerrilla fronts from 11, according to the commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Tuburan, Compostela Valley province.
In an interview on Monday, Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, 10ID commander, said the NPA’s strength in the region has decreased due to the mass surrender of its members and mass-based organizations in different areas.
The 10ID covers Region 11, part of North and South Cotabato, and Trento of Agusan del Sur. It has 13 battalions.
“The NPA strength in the region reduced drastically not only regulars but also their mass base and legal fronts,” Clement said.
From January to November 8, 10ID records said the number of surrenderers is as follows: 495 NPA members, 668 Militia ng Bayan (MB), 238 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, 6,202 NPA supporters, and, 84 members of the left-leaning groups.
Forty-two NPA members were also arrested during the same period, including 10 MBs, three NPA supporters, and seven members of communist front organizations.
Also, during the same period, 187 firearms were recovered, 248 Improvised explosive devices (IED) were seized and 107 NPA camps discovered.
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, 10ID spokesperson, said the Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) in the far-flung areas has resulted in the reduction of the NPA strength.
