By Jennifer P. Rendon
Ongoing military operations have weakened the New People’s Army (NPA) to the point where it can no longer influence the May 12 midterm elections, according to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, said he sees no indication that the NPA could regain its former strength or disrupt the electoral process.
“Even more so, I don’t see them influencing the elections,” Samson said.
He noted that all military activities are being coordinated with the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center (RJSCC), especially during the election period.
This includes continued operations against the communist terrorist group (CTG), which may affect election-related security.
While operations against remaining NPA elements are ongoing, Samson said he sees no significant impact on the elections.
“I don’t see any future effect on the elections,” he said.
He admitted, however, that armed encounters remain possible as the Army continues to pursue NPA remnants in Panay Island.
Still, Samson stressed that it is unlikely the group could influence the election outcome.
A month ago, the 301st Infantry Brigade reported that the NPA’s active combatants in Panay had dwindled to just 25, with fewer than 40 firearms.
With the neutralization of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay leaders, the group is now reportedly headed by a lone cadre known as alias “Ted.”
Despite this, the military considers the group “leaderless” and says its members have lost the will to fight.
