CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA)—The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has commended the soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division (ID), Philippine Army, for neutralizing a high-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in this locality.
General Romeo Brawner, in his recent visit to the 95th Infantry Battalion of the 5th ID, which is based in Jones, Isabela, awarded recognition to the soldiers involved in the operation against the communist leader in Cagayan on September 11, 2024.
In his address to the troops, Brawner highlighted the significance of this achievement as a major setback for the CPP-NPA and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
He also assured that the AFP would continue its efforts until the insurgent group is eradicated.
He further reiterated his commitment that by the end of 2024, the decades-long insurgency problem in the Philippines will be resolved.
It is recalled that the 502nd Infantry Brigade soldiers engaged in a firefight with 17 NPA members in the mountainous area of Barangay Baliuag, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The encounter resulted in the deaths of two rebels and the recovery of high-caliber weapons.
Following a two-day hot pursuit operation after the firefight, government troops discovered the body of Edgar M. Arbitrario, also known as Ka Karl, the secretary of the Komiteng Region Cagayan Valley (KRCV), who had been abandoned by the fleeing NPA members.
Meanwhile, 5th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Gulliver Señires urged the remaining NPA members in their area of operation to surrender.
He emphasized the government’s readiness to welcome them back into the fold of the law and guide them toward a more peaceful and progressive life. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)
