The military yesterday declared that the 18-day holiday ceasefire, which ended midnight of Jan. 3, was generally a success in Negros Occidental.

Colonel Jonas Sumagaysay, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they have not monitored any violent insurgency-related activities perpetrated by the New People’s Army during the yuletide truce, that started Dec. 16 last year.

However, the 302nd Infantry Brigade accused the NPA of violating the truce when they ambushed a government militiaman, who survived the attempt on his life, in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

Sumagaysay said the 303rd IB strictly observed the provisions of ceasefire, although they were placed on a defensive mode.

Government and National Democratic Front negotiators are set to hold informal talks in Norway this month before the resumption of the formal peace negotiations next month. The communists pulled out from the negotiating table in 2004.

Starting this month, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which supervises the anti-insurgency campaign of 301st, 302 and 303rd Infantry Brigades in Panay and Negros island, will implement its new internal peace and security plans, dubbed “ Oplan Bayanihan”.

Maj. Gen. Vicente Porto, 3rd ID commanding general, said it will be more on developmental and civil military work, in coordination with various stakeholders. But the combat operations against armed insurgents will continue,

Sumagaysay, on the other hand,thanked supporters of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, adding,” Working hand in hand, we accomplished so much for the betterment of our fellow Negrenses”.

For year 2011,’ Sumagaysay said, “ We wish we will maintain and even enhance our harmonious working relationship in the face of all the odds and challenges ahead of us”. * GPB

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