The Philippine Army has officially announced that Western and Central Visayas are now free from the influence of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), marking a significant step forward in regional security.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), confirmed the successful dismantling of key CTG fronts in Panay Island, with preparations underway to declare the area under “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) status.
Dismantling Key CTG Fronts in Panay
The neutralization of the Central and Southern Fronts of the CTGs in Panay Island represents a major victory for the Philippine Army. Major Gen. Sison emphasized that no CTG-influenced areas remain in the region, a clear indicator that insurgent activities have been significantly reduced. This success sets the stage for further peace-building efforts in the Visayas, with the potential to inspire similar actions in other insurgency-prone areas.
Election Season Free of Extortion Activities
As the election period begins, the Army also reported the absence of extortion activities such as “permit to campaign” or “permit to win,” which have historically been used by the CTGs to fund their operations. This absence marks a crucial development in ensuring peaceful and secure elections, as the military’s efforts have curtailed the insurgents' financial and operational reach.
Major Gen. Sison also warned politicians to avoid any involvement with CTGs, as it could severely damage their political careers. "Any support or involvement with CTGs will lead to your downfall," he cautioned.
Calinog Sees Declining Threat Levels
In Calinog, once categorized as a red area by the Commission on Elections, the military reports a dramatic reduction in CTG activity. Brig. Gen. Michael Samson of the 301st Brigade confirmed that the threat level has significantly dropped, thanks to successful military operations that dismantled the Central Front last August. This shift could soon lead to a downgrading of the municipality’s threat level from red to yellow.
