By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, said they have monitored a massive recruitment drive by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Occidental.
In a media interview with Aying yesterday morning at Camp Major Nelson Gerona, Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, he said there were efforts made by the rebel group to recruit during the implementation of the ceasefire last year, until it was rescinded last month.
Despite the massive recruitment drive, however, Aying believes they have not gathered enough manpower to cover those who decided to leave and surrender to the government.
“The people have been exposed already to the reality that the armed struggle is not an option, but to proceed in improving their lives and their relationships in the community,” Aying said. “I believe this is the mindset of the people in the communities today.”
Aying added rebels can continue intimidating, but the people have started to think they could accommodate but not cooperate with the NPA.
The major general estimated there are less than 200 CPP-NPA members in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
“They are conducting a massive recruitment program because they are also experiencing massive [reduction in membership],” Aying said, adding they lifted the ceasefire because they cannot do what they want./WDJ