By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said yesterday that the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros, and its other guerilla fronts in other parts of the Visayas, has been severely weakened following several setbacks and defeats over the past few months.

Commander Lt. General Benedict Arevalo, also the concurrent commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Visayas, said they have already dismantled several NPA guerilla fronts, particularly in Negros.

There are currently nine NPA guerilla fronts in the Visayas — four are located in Western Visayas, and the remaining five are known to be operating in Samar.

Arevalo said they are now focusing on their operations in Samar, noting that they still have some strength.

He added that government forces in Negros, particularly the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde), will not let their guard down and will continue to pursue the remaining NPA members.

Meanwhile, Colonel Orlando Edralin formally took over as 303IBde commander in a ceremony yesterday at Camp Major Nelson Gerona at Barangay Minoyan in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town.

Arevalo was also present at the turn over ceremony.

Edralin replaced Colonel Michael Samson, who is now the acting commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade based in Iloilo province’s Dingle town./DGB, WDJ