President Duterte has expressed renewed confidence that the country will soon see the end of communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas, encouraging the rebels anew to abandon their ideology.
In a speech in Camp Gen. Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Duterte said ending communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas is possible through the military’s strong determination.
“With such valiant troops in the service of flag and country, I am confident that we can end the communist-terrorist scourge here in Region 8 sooner rather than later,” Duterte told soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division. “This is why I encourage the remaining rebels to repudiate your outdated ideology, abandon your extremist activities, and return to the fold of the law,” he added.
The President also assured the soldiers that the government will support them in fulfilling their duty of protecting the country and its people.
“This administration will work hard to meet all of your needs and that of your families, and all I ask is that you perform your responsibilities to the best of your abilities,” Duterte assured members of the 8th ID. “It is now, more than ever, that we need to work hard and work together if we are to bring the real, lasting, and meaningful change for the country,” he added.
The President acknowledged the efforts of the 8th ID in supporting more than 450 joint anti-illegal drug operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police, resulting in the seizure of a considerable amount of illegal drugs and the arrest of several drug personalities.
According to Duterte, the 8th ID has made significant accomplishments in combating Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army terrorists in Eastern Visayas.
He also stressed that the division’s aggressive anti-insurgency efforts over the past 18 months have resulted in the capture and surrender of more than 1,500 members of the CPP-NPA and the recovery and surrender of dozens of firearms. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)