In a recent statement, Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, the commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, announced that the New People’s Army (NPA) does not pose a significant threat to the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for May 12. Escanillas emphasized that the three guerilla fronts of the NPA on Negros Island have been effectively dismantled, reducing the risk from communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to a minimal level.
Despite the presence of some remaining NPA members, recent military operations in November and January resulted in the deaths of nine suspected rebels, pushing the insurgents into a defensive position, particularly in Negros Oriental. Previously, certain areas in this region were categorized under code orange due to CTG activities, but these classifications were linked to past elections before the guerilla fronts were neutralized.
Escanillas also noted that there have been no reports of extortion activities targeting election candidates in the region. To ensure the security of the elections, the Philippine Army has been actively involved in supporting the Commission on Elections and the Philippine National Police. This includes setting up checkpoints and enforcing a gun ban from January 12 to June 11. The deployment of troops will continue to be adjusted according to the changing security dynamics.