The commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday urged troops in Negros Oriental to sustain operations against New People’s Army (NPA) remnants to prevent recruitment activities.

Major General Michael Samson issued his call during the change of command ceremony of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) in Barangay Salag, Siaton, south Negros Oriental.

Samson officiated the 11IB’s turnover of command from Lt. Colonel Michael Aquino to the new battalion commanding officer, Lt. Sol Zaulda.

“We cannot be complacent because we know that, by the nature of the revolutionary movement, if you neglect them, they usually take advantage of the situation where troops are absent,” Samson said.

Samson said Negros Oriental is fortunate that there are only a handful of remnants from the NPA’s South Eastern Front, but the Army is monitoring the boundaries with Negros Occidental where the South Western Front is operating.

“I am giving instructions to the 11th IB to continue with the patrols, the visitation [of communities], and security operations in the hinterlands of Negros Oriental just to make sure that the NPA can no longer regain their strongholds,” he added.

He called on the remaining NPA members of the dismantled guerrilla fronts in Negros Island to abandon the armed struggle and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which allows them to reintegrate into society and start a fresh life.

Aquino was cited for the battalion’s accomplishments in the past two years while saying he would continue his predecessor’s gains.

Zaulda told reporters that he will sustain the current programs and projects of the battalion, which he describes as a big challenge, while he adjusts to his new assignment. (PNA)