CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- Responding to the directive of President Ferdinand 'Bong Bong' Marcos' to eradicate insurgency in the country, the 9th Infantry 'SPEAR' Division has intensified its efforts and succeeded in neutralizing the New People’s Army (NPA) in five successive operations on the onset of 2024.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) and 9th ID Commander Major General Adonis Bajao commended his men and expressed gratitude to the villagers for their cooperation and timely reporting of NPA presence and activities in their barangays. 

In the preceding year, the Philippine Army in the Bicol region successfully neutralized 25 members of the New People's Army (NPA) and apprehended 15 individuals, with an additional 23 being arrested. Moreover, 338 NPA members voluntarily surrendered and reintegrated into  lawful society.

Bajao attributed this to the  concerted efforts of the army and its stakeholders, including the local community. The 9ID also recorded 1,205 former NPA sympathizers who renounced their allegiance to the NPA, and committed to support the government's ongoing peace process.

Five in One 

The army's latest victory not only subdued adversary forces but also led to the recovery of high-powered firearms and various weapons.  The said encounters also prompted the voluntary surrender of NPA members, who now signified allegiance to the government.

In just one day, the army recorded (5) simultaneous successful encounters with various armed opposition groups in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.  No injuries or casualties were recorded on the government side.

Several firearms, and other subversive paraphernalia were also seized by the troops.

The initial confrontation with the rebels was reported by the 9th Infantry Battalion headed by 9IB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Dennis A. Santos. The encounter took place at Bagong Silang III, Labo, Camarines Norte at 5:30 in the morning. Twenty-nine (29) anti-personnel mines and 800 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the abandoned area where the rebels left off.

Meanwhile, the army recorded (3) clashes in the province of Sorsogon.

On the same day, joint forces of the 311st Infantry Battalion (311st IB) led by  its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Joy O. Villanueva and the Philippine National Police (PNP) clashed with the government’s adversaries at Barangay De Vera, Donsol, Sorsogon. 

Members of the New Peoples’ Army, surprised by the maneuver of the army, retreated and scampered in different directions, leaving an M16 rifle, an anti-personnel mine, magazines, two bandoliers, and personal items.

The same troop clashed with still undetermined number of NPA in Barangay Sangat in the town of Gubat, Sorsogon, where another armed NPA member abandoned an M16 rifle.

The third encounter took place at Barangay San Isidro, Bulusan, Sorsogon, when the 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB).  In the middle of the firefight, two  NPA members, both belonging to the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla 1, Sub-regional Committee 3, surrendered to the troops. carrying their weapons. They turned over a carbine, a KG9, a browning automatic rifle, two improvised explosive devices, magazines, and ammunition.

In Camarines Sur, the 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) headed by Lieutenant Colonel Julio D. Binuhhi accommodated an NPA who surrendered after disclosing their hiding place in Brgy. Caorasan, Bula in Camarines Sur.  He also turned over an M16 rifle, 23 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and a magazine. 

In connection with these incidents, the leadership of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) emphasized that these activities were just the beginning of the Spear Troopers' operations in the new year, ensuring a more intensified operation against the rebel group.

Bajao reiterated his call to the rebels to break the chains of the conflict, return to the folds of the law, and reunite with their families. (With report from 9ID, DPAO, KAtole, MJFRoldan/ PIA 5) 

Cover photo credit: 31IB, 9ID, DPAO