No candidates running in the 2025 midterm elections in Western Visayas support Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), the 301st Infantry Brigade (301IBde) said yesterday.
According to 301IBde commander Brigadier General Michael Samson, they believe there are no candidates backing the now-weakened CTG, with only remnants of the group remaining.
While the Army acknowledges the potential for individuals to pose as rebel affiliates during the election period, Samson assured that they would disregard these attempts.
He added that the Philippine Army, through the newly-launched Regional Joint Security Control Center, can validate information related to individuals falsely associating with the New People’s Army (NPA).
Samson also assured that rebel groups would not influence the upcoming midterm elections.
‘Eliminate NPA remnants’
Meanwhile, 3rd Infantry Division commander Major General Marion Sison ordered newly-installed 303IBde commander Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog to eliminate the remnants of the NPA in northern and central Negros.
“Find, fix and finish the remnants of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor. Nothing more, nothing less,” Sison told Dumosmog during the turnover of command held at Camp Major Nelson Gerona in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town on Tuesday, November 5.
He succeeded Brigadier General Orlando Edralin due to retirement.
Sison also urged all 303IBde troops to support Dumosmog, the same way they had given Edralin.
“Our fight is not yet over, so let us not relax. Let us not give the communist terrorist group the chance to resurge,” Sison said.
“We cannot rest on our laurels because there are still remnants to be taken care of,” he added.
Sison said they are confronting a “thinking enemy,” which has lasted for five decades.
“Let us not give them a chance to breathe. Let us not give them the time to rise up. We are almost there, and we are 95 percent victorious. Only five percent left. Let us finish them!” he added.
Meanwhile, Dumusmog said he is ready to take on the challenge.
“I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm for being entrusted with this goal, but with the help of the dedicated and motivated officers, I have no doubt that we will accomplish our mission,” Dumusmog said.
“Negros Island Region has been declared as Stable Internal Peace and Security. Indeed, peace in our midst is in our hands, and the 303rd Brigade contributed a fair share to this triumph,” he added./WDJ