BRGY. TILING, Cauayan – Col. Cesar Yano, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Army in southern Negros has started to redouble its efforts to reduce the New People’s Army into a police problem by 2010.

Yano said they have extended their timetable to complete their mission of dismantling two NPA guerilla fronts estimated to have 100 armed red fighters, as they avoided armed engagement and fled to other areas of Negros.

Yano, younger brother of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Alexander Yano, however, said the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in southern Negros is not a purely military solution.

“We need not just help from local government executives, but their leadership in addressing other causes of insurgency problem,” Yano said, adding that the military component is only a part of the solution.

He acknowledged the active participation of Gov. Isidro Zayco and mayors of the famous CHICKS (Cauayan-Hinobaan-Ilog-Candoni-Kabankalan-Sipalay) area in southern Negros Occidental, in addressing issues and concerns of the insurgency problem.

“We are convinced that the internal security operation will not be successful without LGUs leading the fight”, Yano said.

Lt. Col. Leodevic Guinid, 61st Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said the Kilusang Larangan South West of the New People’s Army has been downgraded, following the capture and surrender of some of their members, while others have gone into inactive status, after losing support from their masses.

Guinid claimed the rebels are now limited to operate in the boundary of Cauayan and Sipalay.

He, however, admitted that the climate of fear is still pervading in the CHICKS area, as the armed rebels are bent on terrorizing those who do not support them.

Brig. Gen. Josue Gaverza, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said he will launch “decisive action” against the armed NPA in central and northern Negros, after the clearing of insurgency-affected barangays in northern and central Negros last year.

Gaverza has a pending request with the Philippine Army headquarters for more troops in northern Negros, to replace the 15th Infantry Battalion which is now deployed in Mindanao.

Since the armed NPA regulars are avoiding confrontation, Yano said they now have the opportunity to employ the Special Operations Team concept to further limit their access to areas whey they have established their political structures, by informing the people of their real intention.

He also said there some people in Negros Oriental who have raised P200,000 in cash rewards to be given to anybody who reports the presence of armed NPA members in their areas.

Yano reiterated his “open-arm policy” to all who want to return the mainstream of society, and a “good fight” for those who want to continue the armed struggle.*GPB

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