CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela -- The 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will push through the dismantling of the remaining two regional committees of the communists terrorist groups (CTGs) to attain 100% peace and inclusive progress.
Major Gen. Laurence E. Mina, Commander of 5ID, said as the communist terrorist groups weaken in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Regions.
The Command is confronting two regional committees – the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley that has two Guerilla Fronts (the east and west front committees), and the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee that also has two guerilla fronts (KLG-Baggas and KLG-North Abra) with one Regional Sentro De Gravidad.
MGen. Mina, claimed that the dismantling of these CTG units is attainable in the 2nd quarter of the year.
"Members of the CTGs in our AOR weaken. For the 1st quarter of 2022 alone, 53 returned to the folds of the law, and 43 firearms were reduced," said Maj. Gen. Mina.
"Star Troopers were able to weaken the west front committee and dismantled a vertical unit of RSDG, KR-CV. This is through the dedication of our troops and collaborative efforts with the concerned government agencies," added MGen Mina.
Here cited the commitment of the troops, the collaboration of the different government agencies, and the unwavering support of the populace in ending the local communist armed conflict.
For now, troops of 5ID from 501st, 502nd, and 503rd Infantry Brigades together with their line units are continuously conducting intensive, focused military operations in their respective Areas of Operations to shield the people from the atrocities of CTGs.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Command and the full intervention of government agencies under the Whole-of-Nation Approach, 119 barangays were cleared from the influence and presence of the CTGs, the 5ID reported.