BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The relentless operations against New People’s Army rebels in Western and Central Visayas will continue, even during the yuletide season celebrations, Maj. Cenon Pancito III, Army regional spokesperson, announced yesterday.
This was after President Rodrigo Duterte ruled out the declaration of ceasefire against NPA rebels.
Pancito said the relentless operations of the 3rd Infantry Division units stationed in Panay, Negros and Bohol has proven effective in reducing the CPP-NPA strength in Regions 6 and 7.
“While a decisive engagement is sought to effectively cripple the armed group, our pursuit operations physiologically lowers the morale of NPA fighters as evidenced by the number of rebels who surrender, due to the hardships, hunger, and fatigue in escaping government forces,” he added.
Our message is clear, it is always better to live a normal life, Pancito said, stressing also “We can never achieve our goals and address social issues should we continue to resort to armed struggle”. As the Christmas season is nearing, Pancito called on NPA remnants to reflect and realize that as Filipinos, who value the idea that Christmas is for family, leave the movement, surrender, and give peace a chance.*
