Army: 3 NPA groups dismantled in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera

By Freddie Lazaro

GAMU, Isabela – At least three New People’s Army rebel groups operating in Cagayan Valley Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region have been dismantled due to continuing intense military operations, according to Fifth Infantry Division spokesperson Maj. Noriel D. Tayaban.

The dismantled NPA groups were the Southern Front Committee of Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley operating in the southern part of Isabela, the Central  Front Committee of Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley in Cagayan, and  Komiteng Larangang Gerilya – Ifugaoof the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee operating in Ifugao.

Here at Camp Melchor De La Cruz, Tayaban attributed downgrading of the NPA groups in Cagayan Valley Region and Cordillera to cooperation of residents.

As of press time, Tayaban said that there were still four NPA fronts with a few members operating in their areas of responsibility.

Of these remaining NPAs fronts, two are operating in Cordillera and the other two fronts in Cagayan Valley. 

“These four remaining NPAs fronts are subject to continuous army operations,” said Tayaban.

During the visit of Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela on Sept. 4, 5ID Commander Brig. Gen. Laurence E. Mina reported reduction of the NPA rebels’ manpower and firepower, and cutting of their mass bases.

“The surrender of the NPA rebels and their supporters to us continues while we assured them the giving of their assistance and benefits from the government’s enhanced comprehensive livelihood integration program,” said Mina. 

Mina also toured Sobejana at the “Happy Farm Ville” that accommodated the 56 former rebels from Isabela, who formed part of the Salaknib Former Rebels Integrated Farmers’ Association.

The transitional program for the FRs integrates farming activities through the initiative of the 95th Infantry Battalion and 502nd Infantry Brigade, in cooperation with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, local government units and Dept. of Agriculture of Isabela.

Happy Farm Ville serves as the temporary halfway house for the FRs and their families while they wait for their E-CLIP benefits being processed by the Provincial E-CLIP Committee of Isabela.