By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army will maintain its presence in Negros Occidental even as the New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts have been dismantled, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed.

Lacson made the statement after reports surfaced that the Army would shift some of their battalions from Negros to dismantle the two weakened NPA fronts in Panay Island.

The report has since been denied by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), stating they have enough forces in Panay to combat the remaining communist insurgents.

The 3ID has also recommended placing Negros under the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).

Lacson said the Regional Peace and Order Council, which he presided over, will meet on March 13 to discuss if they can already declare placing Negros under SIPS, as a collegial body.

He added that they recognize the gains and accomplishments of the Philippine Army.

On the part of the local government units, it is their civic duty to stay in those gains by providing assistance to previously conflicted areas.

By declaring Negros under SIPS, the island will attract new investments and generate more jobs and opportunities for residents.

Lacson added that even with the dismantling of the NPA in Negros, he pointed out that they cannot just rest on the Philippine Army’s availability, and the local government units have to do their part./DGB, WDJ