By JEN BAYLON

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) asserts that remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Negros Island lack the capability to disrupt the midterm elections on May 12.

In a radio interview, 3ID spokesperson Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines emphasized their commitment to maintaining security in areas known to harbor a rebel presence.

Javines noted that locating NPA remnants is challenging as the rebels tend to hide in remote barangays and mountainous regions in Negros.

The military’s priority remains the clearance of areas with NPA influence, ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

The Philippine Army has previously reported significant successes against the group, dismantling many of their guerrilla fronts nationwide, which has led to a diminished threat level for the upcoming polls.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has classified certain municipalities in Negros Occidental as areas of concern, with the municipalities of Isabela and San Enrique under the Yellow Category.

The towns of Calatrava and Cauayan, as well as Sipalay City, fall under the Orange Category due to past insurgent activities.

Earlier, the 302nd Infantry Brigade (302IBde) said the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, no longer poses a threat to the conduct of the May 12 midterm elections.

Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, 302IBde commander, said all three guerrilla fronts of the NPA in Negros Island have been dismantled.

Meanwhile, Comelec-NegOcc is not dismissing the capability of the NPA to disrupt the midterm elections, despite the Philippine Army’s assurance that the rebels no longer pose a threat.

Currently, Comelec-NegOcc has not received reports of rebel groups trying to disrupt the May 12 polls./JB, WDJ