EXTENDING HELP. Troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion administer first aid to Arnel Arcayan, a political guide of the Platun Uno of the New People’s Army, who is wounded in an encounter at Barangay Tignapoloan, Cagayan de Oro City, on Aug. 5, 2024. On Tuesday (Aug. 13), Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo ll, the Army's 4th Infantry Division commander, bares that Northern Mindanao is free from communist guerilla fronts. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Army has declared the Northern Mindanao region free from communist guerilla fronts.
During the media briefing on Tuesday, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the Army unit's areas of responsibility (AOR) include Caraga Region and portions of Northern Mindanao or Region 10.
"We only had one weakened Guerilla Front 30 in Surigao area, but we are happy to say that this week, we had our presentation to the Unified Command to dismantle the weakened guerilla front," he said.
As of Tuesday, Cuerpo said the 4ID no longer has guerilla fronts within its AOR in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions because all were dismantled.
Brigadier Gen. Michele Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon, said the NPA's strength in the province has been reduced by 72 percent since July 1, 2022.
Anayron said one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandates is to integrate rebel surrenderers called "friends rescued" back to mainstream society.
He assured the 4ID will continue its support with partner government agencies in helping former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, where 1,237 from Northern Mindanao benefitted this year. (PNA)
