Major NPA strongholds pinpointed

CASTILLA, Sorsogon: Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban identified five areas in the country where New People’s Army rebels have established footholds.

Oban who set foot in his hometown after five decades told The Manila Times that priority areas of the AFP to address insurgency problems are Bicol, Davao Del Norte, Negros, Campostela Valley and Samar.

“The New People’s Army are concentrated in Campostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Negros, Samar and Bicol region. These areas are among the problematic and our priority to resolve insurgency problem to establish peace,” Oban said.

NPA strength is diminishing with 4,000 combatants but the movement is considered a threat to national security and hinders development in the countryside.

To wipe out the insurgency movement in the country, Oban said that they’re pursuing programs under the Bayanihan scheme.

“Through our Bayanihan scheme we will address insurgency particularly in priority areas such as Davao del Norte, Bicol, Negros, Campostela Valley and Samar,” he said.

The AFP chief expressed optimism that the peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front would end the 40-decade insurgency problem in the country.

In Bicol, Major General Josue Gaverza, commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division identified the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate as the most problematic insurgency areas.

Gaverza said that Masbate and Sorsogon are very ideal to insurgent groups due to the rugged terrain advantageous for their guerilla operations.

Earlier, Gaverza reported before the Regional Development Council full council meeting that the insurgency problem in Bicol is manageable although sporadic attacks against government forces took place in the past few months here. –RHAYDS B. BARCIA CORRESPONDENT, Manila Times