By Francis Wakefield
Army 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division Commander Brigadier General Lenard T. Agustin Monday said that troops of the 7th ID will heighten its security in preparation to the forthcoming 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Vowing to keep the people under the 7th ID’s area of responsibility (AOR) safe, Agustin said the 7th ID will foil any attempt of the NPA to cause disturbance and violence.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founded the NPA on March 29, 1969. From then on, until now, they have tried all forms of propaganda and educational activities to convince the people to wage war against the government.
On occasions such as the CPP-NPA anniversary, they commonly launch successive attacks against the government troops and its military operations.
In most of the provinces under the 7th ID’s AOR, the number of NPAs has significantly dwindled as evidenced by the series of mass surrenders of former NPAs. Further, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) gave a statement that the Peace Talks between government officials and the NPA has been successful.
Agustin said that the NPA has only ever been successful in terrorizing the people and being a hindrance to local communities and national development. And while he remains welcoming to those who surrender and still calls on active members to return to the folds of the government, he said the 7th ID will nonetheless be vigilant and ruthless in weeding out those who will continue to sow fear in the hearts of the people.
Agustin also encouraged the local government units in 7th ID's AOR to initiate local peace talks within their jurisdiction and address the issues being exploited by the communist terrorist groups.