The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas has expressed strong confidence that the New People’s Army (NPA) will not be able to execute significant attacks during its 56th founding anniversary on December 26. This assurance comes after a year marked by substantial losses for the NPA, as stated by Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, in a recent phone interview.
Mariano emphasized that while the NPA’s capacity for major attacks has been severely diminished, vigilance remains crucial as the group may still attempt smaller acts of violence. He highlighted the military’s success throughout 2024, which included 93 armed encounters resulting in the neutralization of 41 NPA members, including two high-value targets and six key leaders. Additionally, the operations led to the recovery of 75 firearms, 48 anti-personnel mines, and the dismantling of 143 NPA hideouts.
Among the high-value targets neutralized were Ariel Baselga, alias Ariel, the secretary of the NPA’s sub-regional committee Emporium, killed in a clash on December 2 in Paco village, Las Navas, Northern Samar, and alias Ruby, secretary of SRC Sesame, who surrendered on November 29. Mariano also noted the successful dismantling of the Apoy and Bugsok platoons, notorious for their involvement in the deadly ambush in Borongan City on December 13, 2019.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, praised the troops for their relentless efforts in thwarting NPA activities and maintaining peace in the region. He acknowledged the crucial role of community cooperation in these achievements. The division continues to urge the remaining 119 NPA members in the area to lay down their arms and engage in peaceful dialogue.