Military dismantled three NPA fronts this year: Lorenzana

November 9, 2020

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said three New People's Army (NPA) fronts were dismantled by the military this year.

"Three additional fronts were dismantled this year," Lorenzana said in his speech during the 81st  virtual anniversary celebration of the Department of National Defense Monday as he highlighted achievements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"The AFP has prevented both communist terrorist and local terrorist groups from committing more atrocities," he said.

"From the first half of this year, it neutralized thousands of enemies, seized a sizeable number of firearms, improvised explosive devices and anti personnel mines among many others our troops destroyed hundreds of enemy camps and strongholds and cleared the highest number of guerrilla fronts in the past decade," he added.

Lorenzana stressed the successful enforcement of Martial Law in Mindanao and the substantial gains made against the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

“There was no need for an extension beyond December 2019 as our security forces victoriously neutralized foreign and local extremist groups in the area,” he said.

“As part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the DND-led lines of effort are likewise commendable. About 14,000 communist insurgents have returned to the fold of the law. Many were given reintegration assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP,” he added.

Lorenzana also noted that the achievement were attained despite challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lorenzana said since March the military has been leading COVID-19  containment and mitigation efforts encompassing logistics management, medical response and peace and order.

''The Armed Forces of the Philippines has transported tons of medical equipment, personal protective equipment and supplies from here and abroad to various parts of the archipelago," he said.

"The Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy have brought home hundreds of thousands of seafarers, returning overseas filipinos and  locally stranded individuals. Our troops have also provided libreng sakay to medical frontliners and essential workers augmenting the scarce public transportation. To alleviate hunger, the AFP mobile kitchen distributed hot meals and loaf breads for free in different communities within Metro Manila for the Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko program," he added.

To support medical facilities in the country, Lorenzana said the DND "retrofitted the Veterans Medical Center to accommodate COVID-19 patients."

"We also converted the BRP Ang Pangulo to a quarantine facility and constructed quarantine and isolation facilities inside military," he said.

"Aside from manning checkpoints and enforcing health safety protocols in communities, our soldiers also assisted in the delivery of relief goods and the distribution of social amelioration fund aid to intended recipient," Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana said amid the COVID-19 the DND have fulfilled its strategic priorities.

"This include securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state promoting internal stability attaining the highest standard capability and preparedness on disasters to sustaining operations in support to global peace and security and pursuing good government vital infrastructures were built in the Kalayaan Island group, Batanes group of Islands, Sulu sea, Philippine rise and West Philippine Sea for territorial defense operations" he said.

Lorenzana said in compliance with the president's instructions, the AFP also strengthen its presence in the country's eastern seaboard in Fuga island.

''We now have a beaching ramp and seaport in the municipality of Pagasa. This would allow heavy equipment to be brought in for the repair of the airfield and now the materials to improve the living conditions of our troops and civilian citizens living there," he added. Robina Asido/DMS