NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) –- The Philippine Army here is optimistic and firm, despite the recent blame throwing by the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) on the Fausto Massacre in Himamaylan City, to declare Negros Occidental as insurgency-free before the end of 2023.

home in Sitio Kangkiling in Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City which was quickly blamed by the CTG to the military.

Edralin, dismissing the claim of the CTG, in a statement condemned in the strongest possible terms the brutal killing of the Fausto family and vowed to closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police to fast-track the resolution of the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

303rd Brigade Col Nhel Richard Patricio, during the PTF-ELCAC press conference to give updates on the Fausto Massacre, assured that all military units are committed to finish the problem with CTG.

“Regardless of what is happening, all the more that we (army) will pursue this because we want to give our “Kasimanwas” in Negros, Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas to feel secure and safe,” Patricio said.

According to Patricio, the CTG are doing these to discredit the army or make their presence felt because in fact, there are very few of them left.

“We are pursuing and proving that by the end of 2023, we will lessen the guerilla fronts here in Negros Occidental. That is the commitment of the 3rd Infantry Division,” Patricio added. (AAL/EAD/PIA6 Neg.Occ.)