Negros island is being used as training ground for future cadres and fighters of the New People’s Army in Bohol, Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Citing information from the two rebel surrenderees, Patrimonio said that NPA members recruited from militant sectoral groups were brought from Bohol to far-flung areas in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, for field exposure and training.

Military records show that the two NPA members, who surrendered to the 302nd Infantry Brigade recently, are from Bohol, the area where the Brigade used to be assigned before its deployment to Negros Oriental.

Bohol was declared “insurgency-free” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines last year, he said.

Patrimonio said the training of NPA recruits is in preparation for the attempt of the CPP-NPA-NDF to regain lost territories in Bohol.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division had earlier reported a sudden influx of NPA cadres from Luzon to Negros, to augment the dwindling number of quality rebel cadres in the island, especially from the youth and student sectors.

Patrimonio, who supervises the 11th and 79th Infantry Battalions stationed in central and southeastern portions of Negros island, said the NPA armed strength in his area has been reduced to about 95 from its peak of 160, when the 302nd IB arrived in Negros Oriental.

He noted fewer armed engagements with the NPA, especially in the southeast portion of the island unlike in past years. Patrimonio said this was due to pressures the military has been exerting, that prompted the rebel group to lie low.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3ID commander, attributed the continuing decrease in the number of NPA cadres, to the relentless conduct of leadership summits for the youth sector in Western Visayas.

He said the youth are the primary target of the NPA.

“Although the NPA still has other sources of cadres, the quality of those coming from the youth sector is unsurpassed,” Mabanta added.*GPB

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