The commander of the 301st Infantry “Bayanihan” Brigade (IB) has recently reiterated the crucial role of having a holistic whole-of-nation approach to combat insurgents in Western Visayas.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the 301st IB, said the Army alone could not eliminate the more than 50 years of communist insurgency as there is a need to address underlying factors that fuel their cause.
Samson stressed that military operations would only pressure the rebels and make them realize that they would not win against the government.
“We have been acknowledging that this insurgency cannot be solved by military solution. Ang amon lang, ginasulit ko, our combat operation is designed para mag-put pressure to make them realize nga they will not win against the government, and their difficulty will hopefully open their eyes and make them realize nga magbalik sa gobyerno,” he said.
The government has already implemented other programs to counter rebel forces in a peaceful manner, like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which aims to provide financial, livelihood, and other forms of support to former rebels (FRs) who have decided to abandon armed struggle.
“This is the scenario nga happy gid kami nga ma-realize ta nga ang pagbalik nila sa mainstream society, not as a result of an an arm clash, but because of the programs we have. We are all Filipinos and wala man siguro gusto sang lugar nga magulo, affected ang kabuhayan. Common goal man guru sa tanan ang katawhayan kag kalinong,” Samson said.
The 82 former rebels had already received immediate assistance of P15,000 each, while 28 FRs received livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each, and three FRs received firearm remuneration with a total amount of P86,000.
He also pushed for local peace initiatives among its counterparts, noting that issues of poverty and inequality, which are some of the factors for other residents to join the rebels, should be addressed in the local setting.
Meanwhile, the 301st IB vowed to dismantle the two remaining New People’s Army (NPA) fronts in Panay Island, namely the Southern and Central Fronts Committees.
“Gabudlay nga gabudlay ang amon operations, but at the same time, with these challenges, we are really determined and dedicated to finish our job, accomplish our mission kay para ini sa kalinong kag katawhay sang tanan,” Samson said.
He also urged other rebels to not be afraid to surrender to the authorities, debunking the rumors that the army would torture them.
“The Philippine Army will be very happy to see nga tanan, the remaining members of the armed group magbalik sa sabak ka gobyerno para masugudan na naton ang projects nga gusto ipahimo sang gobyerno dira sa kabukiran, kung ano man da, like dams, road nets for tourism, ma-implement pa kag makabulig pa,” Samson added. (PIA Iloilo)