By Jennifer P. Rendon
The New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas is deemed incapable of influencing the outcome of the May 12 midterm elections, according to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID).
Major General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, attributed the NPA’s diminished influence to the neutralization of their top-ranking leaders last year and their defeat in a series of encounters.
Sison stated that there are no communist terrorist group (CTG)-affected areas in Panay Island.
One of the parameters for classifying a town or city as an election area of concern is the presence of CTG threats.
“In Panay Island, we have dismantled the NPA’s Southern and Central Fronts,” Sison said.
He added that they are moving toward declaring Panay Island under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.
“All barangays are now considered cleared. There are no longer any rebel-influenced barangays or municipalities,” Sison said.
The 3rd ID’s accomplishments last year, including dismantling weakened guerrilla fronts, have paved the way for achieving the SIPS status, Sison said.
Records showed that various 3rd ID units were involved in 63 encounters in 2024, including 11 major and 48 minor engagements.
These operations resulted in the neutralization of 116 NPA rebels, 47 of whom were killed, including several high-ranking leaders. Sixty-nine others either surrendered or were captured.
“Our focus now is to sustain the gains we have achieved. In partnership with the Philippine National Police, we will continue internal security operations,” Sison said.
Given these developments, Sison noted that the NPA has not issued any demands for permits to campaign (PTC) or permits to win (PTW) from political candidates.
“In the last elections, I said politicians who give in to PTC or PTW schemes are most likely to lose,” he added.
Sison warned candidates against supporting the NPA, stating it would lead to political failure.
“Engaging with these local terrorists will only harm your chances of gaining votes,” he said.
