In anticipation of the 56th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has ramped up its surveillance and troop preparedness in the regions of Northern Mindanao and Caraga. Lt. Col. Francisco Garello Jr., the public affairs chief of 4ID, announced that despite the absence of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in these areas, the military remains on high alert to counter any possible activities during the anniversary celebrations. Garello emphasized that the army is intensifying its monitoring and executing targeted military operations to safeguard the public during the holiday season. The NPA, which serves as the armed faction of the CPP, alongside the National Democratic Front of the Philippines as its political counterpart, has seen its forces within the 4ID’s area reduced to mere remnants struggling to survive. These remaining NPA members are constantly evading capture, with increased troop deployments aimed at tracking and neutralizing them. The 4ID’s various units, including brigades, battalions, and special forces, are steadfast in their mission to conduct aggressive operations against these lingering rebel forces.
