TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Task Force Storm under the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division has neutralized 791 New People’s Army rebels in 461 encounters in Eastern Visayas since 2019.
ORIO (FB)
The JTF Storm said they seized 1,124 firearms, recovered 703 banned anti-personnel mines, and discovered and dismantled 620 hideouts.
It highlighted these achievements during the first quarter Joint Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict meeting in Catbalogan City, Samar, on Thursday, March 6.
The JTF Storm reported strengthened collaboration among the military, police, local government units, and other stakeholders.
This resulted in the dismantling of guerrilla fronts, disruption of illegal activities, and an improved security environment in the region.
As a result, socio-economic development and humanitarian projects previously affected by armed conflict were successfully implemented in communities.
Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, stressed the importance of continued collaboration and coordination among various sectors to achieve lasting peace.
"The fight against insurgency requires more than just military efforts; it demands a comprehensive, whole-of-nation approach.”
National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., represented by Director Alexander Umpar of the NTF-ELCAC Directorate for Production, said they have achieved a historic breakthrough by completely dismantling guerrilla fronts.
“As we review the milestones of past years, we recognize the significant impact of initiatives such as the Barangay Development Program," Torres said.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 8, underscored the crucial role of the education sector in addressing insurgency in the region.