Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Barwner Jr. rallied soldiers in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday, Aug. 14, to press on with their relentless campaign against insurgency even after the death of their three comrades during a recent encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA).

Brawner visited the headquarters of the 203rd Infantry Brigade to honor the courage and resolve of troops involved in a recent encounter with the remnants of the NPA in the province.

He urged the troops to hang on as he stressed that the end of insurgency is already within reach with the upcoming signing of an agreement that would end the NPA’s hostilities.

“Kayang-kaya natin itong laban na ito. Malapit na rin mapirmahan ang Framework Agreement na naglalaman ng kasunduan na titigil na ang NPA sa kanilang armadong pakikibaka—ang hinahangad natin para sa kapayapaan (We can win this fight. The signing of the Framework Agreement containing the accord for the NPA to end its armed struggle is also drawing near—which is what we aspire for in pursuit of peace),” he told the troops.

The country has been grappling with an insurgency problem for 56 years already. The conflict between the government and the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was launched in 1969 and has since spanned eight Philippine presidents, making it one of the longest-running communist insurgencies in the world.

During the visit, Brawner was briefed on the security situation in Oriental Mindoro, particularly on the status of NPA strength in the province.

The military chief handed out awards to the troops for their gallantry in combat and outstanding contributions to intelligence operations, while others received commendations for exemplary conduct and meritorious service in the line of duty.

Last Aug. 12, personnel of the 203rd Infantry Brigade encountered around 15 armed men believed to be members of the dismantled Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Ignacio Calabria Magadia (ICM) led by one Antonio Baculo alias “Floro”, “Pilo”, and “Virgo” in the hinterlands of Barangay Lantuyang 2, Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

Three soldiers died in the encounter.

Brawner said the operation was an offshoot of a previous encounter on Aug. 9 where the troops recovered weapons and supplies abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. It turns out that remnants of dismantled NPa units are regrouping to reclaim their territories and revive their influence in the communities.

But Brawner expressed confidence that the NPA will not succeed as he mentioned nationwide internal security operations targeting the NPA. He said 189 rebels in Quezon and Bukidnon surrendered on August 8 and turned over 72 firearms and explosives to authorities.

On the same day, Brawner said 49 loose firearms were also handed over by former rebels in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

On July 27, seven communist rebels were neutralized and several high-powered firearms were seized in Uson, Masbate.