Bacolod City – Following the neutralization of the regional head of the Negros Island Regional Party Committee (NIRPC) and three others who died in recent armed encounters, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division vowed relentless anti-insurgency operations to ensure that rebel remnants in Negros will not regain strength or influence across the region.
Reynaldo Erecre, NIRPC secretary, and three others were killed in separate encounters with 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion soldiers on January 30 and 31, in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, which also led to the recovery of four high-powered firearms and explosives.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division, said the outcome of encounters clearly demonstrates that any attempt by rebel remnants to resurge is destined to fail.
Samson acknowledged the strong collaboration between the Philippine Army and local communities who were already weary of the lies, deception and illegal activities, which led to the neutralization of four rebel remnants.
Lt. Col. Zeigfred Tayaban, 94IB commander, earlier said they were able to thwart an attempt of rebel remnants to sabotage government infrastructure projects in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, planning to burn heavy equipment being used for ongoing development work in the area.
Samson reiterated his call on the rebel remnants to abandon the armed struggle, before it is too late.
By choosing reconciliation and returning to the fold of the law, they open the door to healing- within themselves, their families and communities, the 3ID commander said. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)