Army notes less NPA atrocities in Samar, Leyte provinces

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) –- The ongoing peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has resulted to less violence committed by the armed rebels in Eastern Visayas in the past six months, according to the Philippine Army.

“The abrupt decline during the third quarter of 2016 was attributed to the peace initiative offered by President Rodrigo Duterte to the communist rebels,” said Lt. Col. George Domingo, chief of the Army 8th Infantry Division civil military operations battalion.

Only 25 NPA-initiated atrocities in the region were recorded by the army from January to November 2016. The official had no available data when asked about 2015 incidents.

Among provinces, Northern Samar has the highest number of incidents at 16, followed by Samar (six), Eastern Samar (two), and Leyte (one).

Most violence was committed during the first quarter of the year, according to Domingo.

“Atrocities had slowed down in the second quarter as some rebels participated in the campaign of their supported candidates,” Domingo added.

Government troops and communities also recorded 447 activities by the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). These activities were concentrated on the conduct of rehabilitation works.

Of the 447 activities, 190 were noted in Northern Samar, 122 in Samar, 114 in Eastern Samar, and 21 in Leyte.

Tagged as NPA-infested areas are Silvino Lobos, Las Navas, San Roque, and Mondragon towns in Northern Samar; San Jose de Buan, Gandara, and San Jorge in Samar; Oras, Canavid, Dolores, Llorente, General McArthur, and Balangiga in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, NPAs are more active in the upland villages of Burauen, Ormoc City, Albuera, Baybay City, and San Isidro towns. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Robert S. Bona (OJT)