Bacolod City – Army soldiers have shifted their efforts towards the conduct of focused military operations against New People’s Army rebel remnants in three Visayas regions, after being utilized to ensure the peaceful conduct of the May 12 elections.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, lauded Army soldiers for executing security operations with “precision” during the May 12 polls in Negros Island Region, as well as in Regions 6 and 7.
More than 5,000 troops of the 3ID were utilized for peacekeeping operations during the elections, which were described by the Commission on Elections as generally peaceful.
Through disciplined preparation and well-coordinated execution, we upheld the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring a peaceful exercise of the people’s right to suffrage, Samson said.
Resuming the conduct of Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations, he said the reconfigured Army infantry units will immediately redeploy to eliminate and dismantle the two remaining Regional Party Committees of the CPP-NPA.
We will deny them any opportunity to regroup, regain strength, or establish safe havens. We will press the attack until all the enemy is neutralized, Samson said.
He, however, reminded Army soldiers to always maintain discipline, uphold operational momentum, and execute orders with professionalism. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)